[News Today] Starbucks Korea CEO fired for ‘Tank Day’

[LEAD]

Starbucks Korea held a discount event yesterday, on May 18, calling it 'Tank Day'. The promotion immediately drew backlash, as many said the word 'tank' evoked the military crackdown in Gwangju during the May 18 Democratic Movement.

[REPORT]

A tumbler discount event held recently by Starbucks Korea.

The event on May 18 was named 'Tank Day'.

It offered discounts on the large 'Tank Tumbler' product.

But it came under fire for inappropriately using the word 'tank' associated with martial law troops on the day that marked the anniversary of the May 18th pro-democracy movement.

Citizen /

‘Tank Day’ made me worried that May 18 Uprising could be used for fun. It’s not right for a large company to do this.

The promotional phrase ''Tak' on the desk' also drew criticism.

It recalls the false police statement during the 1987 torture and death of pro-democracy activist Park Jong-chul. Back then it said, investigators struck a desk with a 'tak' sound, prompting him to collapse with an 'eok' sound.

A Gwangju-Jeonnam group dedicated to honoring the victims of the movement blasted the incident, calling it a clear historical tragedy rather than a simple mistake or coincidence.

It's demanding an apology and measures to prevent this from happening again.

President Lee Jae Myung also expressed his outrage over what he called this reckless behavior that denies Korea's values, basic human rights, and democracy.

He added that those responsible should face corresponding moral, legal and political accountability.

Starbucks halted the event after three hours and apologized to the victims of the May 18 uprising, Gwangju citizens and the bereaved family of Park Jong-chul.

Shinsegae Group has dismissed the CEO of Starbucks Korea for causing the controversy.