Key facts
- Police raided Starbucks Korea headquarters on Wednesday.
- The raid is related to a controversial "Tank Day" marketing campaign.
- Critics claim the campaign evoked painful memories of the 1980 May 18 pro-democracy uprising crackdown.
- A civic group filed a defamation complaint against Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin.
Police raided the headquarters of Starbucks Korea on Wednesday over allegations of defamation stemming from the coffee chain's controversial marketing campaign. The "Tank Day" campaign, launched on the anniversary of the May 18 pro-democracy uprising, drew criticism for evoking memories of the 1980 military crackdown on the movement. A civic group had previously filed a complaint against Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin, alleging insult and defamation against the victims of the uprising and their bereaved families. E-Mart, a key affiliate of Shinsegae Group, holds the controlling stake in Starbucks Korea.