（Singapore, 22.05.2026）Public anger against Starbucks Korea continues to grow after a promotional campaign linked to the anniversary of South Korea’s 1980 Gwangju democracy uprising triggered nationwide criticism, political condemnation, and boycott calls.
The controversy began after Starbucks Korea launched a marketing event called “Tank Day” on May 18 to promote discounts on its large capacity “Tank” tumblers. The campaign immediately drew outrage because May 18 marks the anniversary of the Gwangju Democratization Movement, one of the most painful chapters in modern South Korean history.
During the 1980 uprising, the military government led by Chun Doo-hwan sent soldiers and tanks into the city of Gwangju to suppress pro-democracy demonstrations. Hundreds of people were believed to have been killed or disappeared during the crackdown, although many details surrounding the operation remain unresolved.
Critics accused Starbucks Korea of turning a national tragedy into a commercial marketing opportunity.
South Korea’s Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung strongly criticized the campaign, saying businesses should never “make light” of the country’s democratic history or use it for commercial purposes. In a statement posted on X, he announced that the Ministry of the Interior and Safety would stop offering Starbucks products or vouchers in government activities.
Government departments in South Korea often distribute coffee vouchers as rewards for surveys, contests, or public participation programs. Yun also urged other organizations and members of the public to reconsider supporting companies that disrespect democratic values.
The criticism quickly spread across the political landscape. Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oheul also condemned the campaign and said authorities would strengthen monitoring against misinformation related to the Gwangju uprising.
President Lee Jae Myung reportedly described the campaign as “inhumane” and accused the company of violating basic business ethics and human morality.
The backlash forced Shinsegae Group, the South Korean company operating Starbucks locally, to take swift action. The company dismissed Starbucks Korea’s chief executive officer earlier this week and issued a public apology.
Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin bowed in apology and admitted the promotion had caused deep pain to victims, bereaved families, and the wider public.
“I deeply bow in apology as the representative of the group,” Chung said in his statement. “The marketing deeply hurt the public, the bereaved families, and the victims of the May 18 demonstration.”
Despite the apology, public anger has continued to intensify.
In Gwangju, protesters gathered outside a Starbucks outlet on Thursday, smashing Starbucks cups on the ground and placing stickers reading “Starbucks Out!” over the company’s logo. Videos of the demonstration quickly spread across local media and social platforms.
Consumer boycott campaigns have also gained momentum online. Several complaints have reportedly been filed with police against Shinsegae executives, accusing them of insulting victims of the uprising.
The controversy has now expanded beyond the company itself and has begun affecting Starbucks employees working in stores across South Korea.
According to local media reports, baristas and store managers say they have become targets of verbal abuse from angry customers. Some employees claim customers questioned their political beliefs or pressured them to resign.
One Starbucks worker in Yongin said a customer entered the store without placing an order and repeatedly told her to quit working at what he described as an “Ilbe workplace,” referring to a far-right online community often criticized for mocking the Gwangju movement.
Another employee in the Seoul metropolitan area said a customer became furious during a refund dispute and shouted accusations related to the controversy.
Workers have also shared emotional posts online describing stress, fear, and anxiety caused by the incident. One store manager wrote anonymously that employees were becoming “punching bags” for public anger over a marketing decision they had nothing to do with.
Some experts have warned that the issue is becoming increasingly politicized ahead of South Korea’s local elections next month.
Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the ruling Democratic Party, instructed party members and campaign workers to avoid Starbucks during election campaigning and demanded a stronger apology from Shinsegae leadership.
Meanwhile, opposition lawmaker Han Ki-ho defended conservative supporters who continued visiting Starbucks, saying the stores could become symbolic spaces for people supporting liberal democracy and conservatism.
Political analyst Cho Jin-man from Duksung Women’s University warned politicians against escalating tensions further.
“Starbucks must be held accountable,” he said, “but politicians should choose their words carefully to avoid creating hatred and innocent victims.”
The controversy comes at a difficult time globally for Starbucks, which is also facing operational challenges in North America.
Separately, Starbucks recently ended an artificial intelligence inventory system that had been rolled out across stores in the United States and Canada. The tool was designed to automate stock counting using cameras and sensors but reportedly struggled with accuracy, sometimes confusing similar products or failing to detect items properly.
The AI system was part of CEO Brian Niccol’s broader “Back to Starbucks” turnaround strategy aimed at improving store efficiency and reducing shortages. Starbucks said it discontinued the program to standardize inventory management across stores and improve operational consistency.
Even with these setbacks, Starbucks remains South Korea’s largest food and beverage chain by estimated customer numbers, according to market research firm WISEAPP.
However, the “Tank Day” controversy has become one of the company’s most serious reputational crises in the country in recent years, highlighting how deeply historical memory and political sensitivity continue to shape public opinion in South Korea.
