MOIS Excludes Starbucks 'Tank Day' From Government Events

[Financial News] Yun Ho-jung, minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS), said that Starbucks Korea products will no longer be used at government events after the company sparked controversy by using the phrase "Tank Day" on the anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising. Yun posted a statement on his X account, saying, "We will not provide products from companies that trivialize the history and values of democracy or use them for commercial purposes." The move is widely seen as a de facto expression of the government's intent to boycott Starbucks.
According to MOIS on the 21st, Yun said in a post on X that "democracy was built on the sacrifice and dedication of countless citizens" and that "behavior that trivializes that history or turns it into a commercial gimmick is not something that can be brushed aside."
He added, "I deeply regret the anti-historical behavior recently shown by Starbucks Korea, which has caused public controversy."
Yun also pointed out the government's existing practice, saying that "government agencies, including the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, have used mobile gift certificates such as coffee vouchers for various surveys, contests, and public participation events." He then stressed, "Taking this incident as a lesson, MOIS will no longer provide products from companies that trivialize the history and values of democracy or use them for commercial purposes."
Yun also said, "I hope many institutions and members of the public will share in MOIS's decision."
Earlier, Starbucks Korea came under fire for using expressions such as "Tank Day" in an event on its app on the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, which fell on the 18th.
As the controversy spread, Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin issued a public apology, calling it "inappropriate marketing that should never have happened and cannot be tolerated," and promised to prevent a recurrence.
On the same day, civic groups from Gwangju and South Jeolla Province (Jeonnam) also held a news conference in front of the E-mart Gwangju branch in Gwangcheon-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju, to denounce Starbucks Korea and Chairman Chung.


ahnman@fnnews.com An Seung-hyeon Reporter