Shinsegae chief to issue in-person apology over Starbucks Korea's 'Tank Day' marketing controversy

Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin is set to issue a public, in-person apology on Tuesday over the controversy surrounding Starbucks Korea’s recent marketing campaign, which has drawn public backlash after critics said it inappropriately referenced Korea’s pro-democracy movement of the 1980s. “Chairman Chung Yong-jin plans to offer a direct apology to all those who were hurt by Starbucks Korea’s inappropriate marketing campaign carried out on the anniversary of the May 18 Uprising,” the group said in a press statement, Sunday. E-Mart, an affiliate of Shinsegae Group, is the largest shareholder of Starbucks Korea. It added the venue will be held at Josun Palace in southern Seoul, a hotel owned by the group. The apology comes after the coffee chain launched a tumbler-related promotional event titled “Tank Day” on May 18, the date marking the annual commemoration of the May 18 Democratic Uprising. The campaign drew criticism as the title was seen as evoking military vehicles used during the 1980 Gwangju crackdown under former President Chun Doo-hwan. In addition, the prom

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