Beleaguered Shinsegae chairman apologizes for Starbucks crisis

Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin on Tuesday apologized to the public in person, eight days after Starbucks Korea, run by Shinsegae Group, plunged stirred a controversy with its "Tank Day" marketing event which inappropriately referenced Korea’s pro-democracy movement of the 1980s. “Regardless of the reason, the fact that we have hurt the hearts of our citizens carries a heavy responsibility," Chung said during a press conference. "I will make no excuses. All responsibility for this matter lies with me. It is my fault.“ “Everyone at Shinsegae, including myself, will remember our society's history and sacrifices, and always deeply understand and respect the hearts of the public. The responsibility lies with the organization and the management, including myself.” Chung’s public appearance came as the promotional event for Starbucks coffee tumblers launched on May 18 — which annually commemorates the Gwangju Democratic Uprising against Chun Doo-hwan military junta in 1980 — used words in a peculiar nuance that mocked the spirit of the historic uprising and brutal suppWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times