Police raid Starbucks Korea over controversial promotional event

South Korean police raided the national headquarters of Starbucks Korea over a controversial marketing campaign that allegedly defamed victims of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. The "Tank Day" promotion, launched on the anniversary of the pro-democracy crackdown, sparked outrage and a boycott movement, with many interpreting the "tank" as a reference to military vehicles used against protesters. Civic groups filed a criminal complaint against Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin for insult and defamation. Shinsegae Group, which operates Starbucks in Korea, stated the campaign was unintentional and that the planning team and upper management failed to recognize the connection to the historical event. The company has since apologized for the "inappropriate marketing," which has led to a significant decline in Starbucks sales in South Korea, one of its largest markets. President Lee Jae Myung also criticized the campaign, calling it an insult to the victims and their struggle.