Police raid Starbucks Korea headquarters over 'Tank Day' fiasco

South Korean police conducted a raid on Starbucks Korea's headquarters, triggered by defamation allegations stemming from a marketing campaign called "Tank Day." Launched in May, the campaign coincided with the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, an event marked by widespread loss of life during the military dictatorship. The promotion was met with widespread outrage and a mass boycott, with many finding the "tank" reference insensitive to the historical context.

Starbucks swiftly withdrew the campaign, acknowledging the unintended nature of the offense. In June, all Starbucks stores nationwide observed a half-day closure for staff to participate in educational sessions focused on the historical significance of the date. Following the backlash, Starbucks Korea's CEO was dismissed, and the company apologized for the "inappropriate marketing."

The controversy not only resulted in a significant decline in sales—a major issue for the coffee chain in South Korea—but also became a contentious issue in the country's political landscape during the local elections. Critics, including President Lee Jae Myung, condemned the campaign as disrespectful to the victims and the struggle of the Gwangju residents.

The incident further polarized public opinion, with Starbucks cups becoming a symbol of opposition to the Lee Jae-myung government, embraced by right-wing pundits and seen in various right-wing rallies and online platforms.