Alphabiz - Civic Group Files Complaint Against President Lee Over Starbucks Boycott Controversy

Chung Yong-jin, Chairman of Shinsegae Group. (Photo: Yonhap News Agency)

[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] SEOUL, May 25 — A civic group has filed a complaint against Lee Jae-myung and several senior government officials, alleging abuse of power and coercion related to a boycott of Starbucks Korea.

The complaint, submitted to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, also names key officials including the ministers of interior, justice, and defense, as well as the ruling party leader. The group claims that calls to boycott Starbucks following a recent promotional controversy constitute undue government interference in the market and could infringe on consumer choice and political neutrality.

The controversy stems from Starbucks Korea’s “Tank Day” promotion, which drew criticism for allegedly trivializing the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising. In response, President Lee publicly condemned the campaign during a cabinet meeting, while government ministries reportedly moved to restrict purchases of Starbucks products and replace them in official programs.

The civic group argued that such actions may amount to political pressure and could be linked to upcoming local elections, while authorities have yet to comment on the legal merits of the complaint.

Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)