Chung Yong-jin publicly apologizes over Starbucks 'Tank Day' controversy, says he 'fully accepts responsibility' (roundup)

\r\n
[Financial News] Chung Yong-jin, chairman of Shinsegae Group, issued a public apology over the controversy surrounding Starbucks Korea's 'Tank Day' event and said that he takes full responsibility.
In his apology released on the 19th, Chung said that on the previous day, the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, Starbucks Korea, a Shinsegae Group affiliate, carried out inappropriate marketing that should never have happened and could not be tolerated. He added that the company caused deep pain to the spirits of the May 18 victims, their bereaved families and the public, and bowed his head in apology on behalf of the group.
He went on to say that the incident was an inexcusable mistake that trivialized the suffering and sacrifice of everyone who has devoted themselves to democracy. He also said the group is seriously reflecting on its lack of historical awareness and sensitivity toward the country's collective historical pain.
Chung stressed, "I deeply realize that all responsibility for this matter lies with me." He added, "We will thoroughly review the group's decision-making system so that this does not happen again."
Shinsegae Group said it will thoroughly investigate how the incident occurred and the approval process involved, then disclose the findings. It also said it will review the screening process for marketing content across all affiliates and improve its review procedures and standards.
The group also plans to provide history-awareness and ethics training for all employees, including Chung.
Chung added, "Once again, I sincerely apologize to the spirits and bereaved families of the May 18 victims, the citizens of Gwangju, the bereaved families of Park Jong-chul, everyone who sacrificed for democracy, and the public."
Shinsegae Group plans to visit the meeting room at the May Memory Storage on the first floor of the May 18 Memorial Culture Center in Gwangju at 10 a.m. to apologize in person to representatives of May organizations. Kim Soo-wan, vice chairman of Shinsegae Group, will attend the meeting. On the May organizations' side, Shin Geuk-jeong, chairman of the May 18 Democratic Uprising Injured Persons Association, Yoon Nam-sik, chairman of the May 18 Democratization Movement Merit Association, and Yoon Mok-hyeon, chairman of the May 18 Memorial Foundation, will be present.
The controversial 'Tank Day' was an event held by Starbucks Korea on the 18th, the anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising. Critics said the use of military-themed expressions and content damaged the historical significance of the Gwangju Democratic Uprising.
clean@fnnews.com Lee Jeong-hwa Reporter