Translation result.
[MyDaily = Reporter Lee Ho-bin] Shinsegae Group will issue an official apology and publish the results of its investigation into the Starbucks Korea marketing controversy that arose on the anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising.
According to industry sources on the 24th, Shinsegae said Chairman Jung Yong-jin will personally apologize for the matter and explain the findings of the group’s investigation on the 26th.
Shinsegae said, \”Chairman Jung intends to apologize directly to everyone hurt by Starbucks Korea’s inappropriate marketing on the May 18 anniversary. We will also explain the results of the group’s investigation into this matter.\”
Starbucks Korea faced criticism for running marketing content tied to the May 18 anniversary without adequately considering its historical significance.
As part of its Buddy Week promotion, Starbucks Korea promoted a tank tumbler series. The company named the event \”Tank Day\” and used the slogan \”Plop it on your desk!\”
Critics argued that \”Tank Day\” evoked the tanks used by martial law forces to suppress citizens during the 1980 May 18 Gwangju Uprising, and that the phrase \”Plop it on your desk!\” recalled the police’s dismissive comment linked to the 1987 torture and death of activist Park Jong-chul.
As the controversy escalated, Chairman Jung dismissed Son Jeong-hyun, CEO of Starbucks Korea, on the same day. Criticism, however, continued from President Lee Jae-myung, civic groups in Gwangju, and consumers.
On the 19th, Jung issued a public apology in his own name and pledged to prevent a recurrence.
In his statement, Jung said, \”Our affiliate Starbucks Korea carried out inappropriate marketing that should never have happened and cannot be tolerated. We have deeply wounded the spirits of those who sacrificed in the May 18 movement, their families, and the public. On behalf of the group, I humbly apologize.\”
He added, \”I accept full responsibility for this incident. We will conduct a comprehensive review of the group’s decision-making systems to ensure this does not happen again.\”
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