South Korean Starbucks boss apologizes anew for ad campaign that evoked massacre
Seoul, South Korea — South Korean retail tycoon Chung Yong-jin on Tuesday issued his second apology in two weeks as Starbucks' local operation faced a backlash over a recent marketing campaign that was widely perceived as mocking victims of a bloody military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in 1980.
TL;DR
- Starbucks Korea's chairman, Chung Yong-jin, apologized for a marketing campaign perceived as mocking victims of a 1980 military crackdown.
- The 'Tank Day' promotion and slogan 'Thwack it on the table!' sparked outrage, referencing the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising and a 1987 police cover-up.
- The campaign was canceled, the local CEO was fired, and police are investigating.
- Public anger has led to calls for boycotts and condemnation from government officials.
- Sales have reportedly fallen significantly following the controversy.
- Chung has issued two apologies, emphasizing management's responsibility.