South Korean Police Raid Starbucks HQ Over Controversial Promotion

Aug 5, 2026

69 min

Aug 5, 2026 05:31

South Korea police raid Starbucks HQ over 'Tank Day' fiasco

## Police Investigation

South Korean authorities conducted a raid on the headquarters of Starbucks Korea following a controversial promotional campaign. The campaign, known as "Tank Day," coincided with the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy uprising, a significant event in South Korea's history where many civilians lost their lives.

## Public Outcry

The promotion, which featured large tumblers, sparked outrage as it was seen as disrespectful to the memory of those who died during the protests. The campaign led to accusations of defamation against the Shinsegae Group, the company operating Starbucks in South Korea.

## Legal Actions

A civic group, along with families of the victims, filed a complaint against Shinsegae Group executives, including its chairman and the former CEO of Starbucks Korea. The Seoul police confirmed the raid as part of their ongoing investigation but did not disclose further details.

## Company Response

In response to the backlash, Starbucks Korea issued a public apology and temporarily closed its stores for staff training. Despite an internal investigation by Shinsegae Group finding no intentional misconduct, the company acknowledged limitations in their audit process.

## Impact on Business

The controversy led to a significant drop in sales for Starbucks Korea, with a reported 17% decrease in payment volume from May to June. The incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding historical events in South Korea and the potential repercussions for businesses.

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