Shinsegae chief apologizes over Starbucks Korea ‘Tank Day’ controversy

Chung Yong-jin, chairman of Shinsegae Group, issued a public apology Tuesday over the controversial “Tank Day” promotion held by Starbucks Korea on Monday, the anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising — a marketing blunder that drew criticism from President Lee Jae Myung. In a statement addressed to the public, Chung said he “deeply wounded the spirits of those who sacrificed for the May 18 Democratic Uprising, their bereaved families and the people of Korea,” adding that he bows his head in apology on behalf of the group. He described the promotion as “an inappropriate marketing campaign that should never have happened and cannot be tolerated,” calling it “an inexcusable mistake that trivialized the pain and sacrifice of those who dedicated themselves to the nation’s democracy. “I fully recognize that all responsibility for this matter lies with me,” Chung said, pledging to review the group’s decision-making process and strengthen historical awareness and ethical standards across all affiliates. He also promised employee education, a transparent invWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times