"My Love for Starbucks Continues": Actor Choi Junyong Shares Proof Photo Despite Controversy

Left Hashtags Such as "Anti-Communist"
Chairman Chung Yongjin to Issue Public Apology on the 26th

Amid a growing boycott movement against Starbucks following the 'Tank Day' controversy, actor Choi Junyong has expressed his unwavering affection for Starbucks coffee via social media.

On May 24, Choi Junyong posted a video on his Instagram account showing a Starbucks beverage delivery order, along with the caption, "My love for Starbucks continues." The video included a screenshot of a news article reporting that some delivery drivers had declared a so-called "delivery boycott," stating they would not accept Starbucks delivery orders.

Photo posted on Instagram by actor Choi Junyong. Instagram capture

In addition, Choi Junyong wrote, "A Starbucks delivery boycott? I received my delivery and even got a thank-you note," and added, "When it comes to iced Americano, Starbucks is the best. I will enjoy it nice and cold."

This is not the first time Choi Junyong has publicly supported Starbucks. On May 19, he shared a photo, apparently taken at his home, of himself drinking Starbucks coffee. At that time, he wrote, "Coffee means Starbucks," and added hashtags such as 'Anti-Communist Hyung,' 'Anti-Communist Coffee,' and 'Starbucks.' Notably, 'Anti-Communist' is a phrase that Chung Yongjin, Chairman of Shinsegae Group, frequently used on his own social media accounts in the past.

Instagram Screenshot

The Starbucks controversy began with the 'Tank Day' tumbler promotion event held by Starbucks Korea on May 15. At the time, some online users raised suspicions that the event was mocking the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. As the controversy intensified, Chairman Chung dismissed Sohn Junghyun, CEO of Starbucks Korea, and the staff responsible for the event, and issued a public apology. Chairman Chung stated, "We have deeply hurt the spirits of May 18, their families, and the people," and bowed his head, saying, "I sincerely apologize on behalf of the group."

Despite these measures, the controversy has not subsided, with the boycott movement continuing to spread online. On the morning of May 26, Chairman Chung plans to issue another public apology and announce the results of the internal investigation at the Josun Palace Hotel in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.