5.18 "Tank Day" Controversy...Kaeho Lee Urges Starbucks Headquarters to Terminate Contract
“Full Review Needed for Shinsegae’s Gwangju Development Project”
Kaeho Lee, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea representing Damyang, Hampyeong, Yeonggwang, and Jangseong in South Jeolla Province, sent a letter of protest to the Starbucks headquarters on May 22, urging the termination of its contract with Starbucks Korea. He also called on the city of Gwangju and candidates for the Gwangju Metropolitan and Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Mayor positions to conduct a complete and thorough review of the Gwangju development project being pursued by Shinsegae Group.
In a statement released that day, Assemblyman Lee said, “The controversy sparked by the ‘5·18 Tank Day’ event is a criminal act that tramples on the people of Gwangju, the residents of South Jeolla Province, and, furthermore, South Korean democracy.” He continued, “The dismissal of the CEO is merely an attempt by Chairman Yongjin Chung to avoid personal responsibility by scapegoating others.”
He further stated, “Given the gravity of the situation, more forceful and effective measures are required,” and urged Starbucks headquarters to take responsible action at the corporate level.
He particularly pointed out, “As Starbucks promotes global corporate values such as human rights and diversity, the actions of Starbucks Korea have undermined the company’s core values.”
He then demanded, “Starbucks headquarters must terminate its contract with Starbucks Korea and issue an official apology to the citizens of Gwangju and South Jeolla Province.”
Lee announced that he plans to send this letter of protest to Starbucks headquarters. He also insisted to the candidates for Gwangju Metropolitan Mayor and Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Mayor, “The Shinsegae integrated shopping mall development project must be reconsidered from the ground up.”
Lee emphasized, “A company that mocks the spirit of Gwangju behind the scenes, while reaping huge profits in the sacred ground of democracy, cannot be entrusted with regional development projects.” He added, “An official letter demanding mental compensation should also be sent to Chairman Yongjin Chung.”
Hot Picks Today
"They Used to Complain About the Smell... Now Americans Are Enthusiastic: 'There's a Reason Koreans Eat Kimchi Every Day'"
He further stated, “Any act that disparages or insults the May 18 Democratization Movement is a crime that must be strictly punished under the special law,” and added, “I will do everything in my legislative and political power to ensure a thorough investigation and punishment for violations of the special law, as well as to facilitate damage claims without any loopholes.”
© The Asia Business Daily. All rights reserved. Unauthorized AI training and use prohibited.
