Starbucks’ U.S. headquarters has apologized for the Tank Day controversy, acknowledging it as inappropriate marketing that should never have occurred.
On June 1, the three 5·18 Public Law organizations (Bereaved Families Association, Wounded Persons Association, and Merit Association) and the 5·18 Memorial Foundation sent a letter to Starbucks’ U.S. headquarters. They demanded a corporate-level investigation, apology, and responsible actions.
In response, Starbucks U.S. acknowledged the Tank Day controversy in Korea as inappropriate marketing that should never have happened. They expressed regret for the historical significance of the May 18 Democratic Movement and the pain of its victims.
The company also reported that they had conveyed the May 18 groups’ demands to senior management.
The 5·18 Public Law organizations and the foundation plan to further explain the gravity of this issue in Korean society and will continue to monitor the implementation of follow-up actions.
They have informed over 1,000 democracy, human rights, and peace activists and organizations from 72 countries that support the May 18 Democratic Movement about the situation with Starbucks Korea.
Activists abroad, including recipients of the Gwangju Human Rights Award, are urging Starbucks’ U.S. headquarters to conduct a thorough investigation, issue an official apology, and establish measures to prevent recurrence.
Previously, Starbucks faced backlash after running promotions using phrases like Tank Day and Desk’s Tap on May 18, the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Movement.
Following the controversy, Shinsegae Group dismissed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Starbucks, and Chairman Chung Yong-jin personally apologized to the public. However, the boycott movement continues.