Translation result
[Herald Economy = Reporter Lee Myung‑soo] Vice Chair Lee Byung‑tae of the Regulatory Rationalization Committee criticized government ministries’ encouragement of a boycott against Starbucks over remarks that belittled the May 18 pro-democracy movement, calling any boycott involving state power “a very dangerous measure.”
On May 22, Lee posted a lengthy statement on Facebook. He sharply criticized boycotts led or encouraged by the government, public agencies, or politicians, arguing they produce many harmful side effects—unlike consumer-led boycotts, which reflect voluntary choices by individual shoppers to avoid a company’s products.
Lee argued first that government-driven boycotts undermine the predictability essential to a market economy. He warned that stigmatizing a company in the absence of clear legal wrongdoing, and allowing the government to assume the role of moral arbiter, invites arbitrariness and corrodes the rule of law. He also listed several specific concerns: chain harm to innocent workers and small business owners; a drop in investment and damage to the nation’s international credibility; violations of international trade norms and the risk of retaliatory measures; and deeper political polarization.
“When the government or public institutions use public authority and budgets as weapons to target a private firm—joining or leading a boycott—they cross the bounds of the rule of law,” Lee said, warning that such actions are likely to boomerang, ultimately harming economically vulnerable people and eroding the country’s reputation.
He added, “Consumers may choose to boycott, but those in power must not intervene,” and asked rhetorically, “Do we want to become an authoritarian country like China?”
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