Police Conduct First Search and Seizure at Starbucks Korea Headquarters Over 'Tank Day' Controversy
Controversy over the Use of "Bang the Desk!" Phrase in Promotional Materials
First Compulsory Investigation Launched Two and a Half Months After Warrant Rejection
Police investigating allegations that Starbucks insulted those honored for the May 18 Democratization Movement through its "Tank Day" promotion have launched the first compulsory investigation into the headquarters of Starbucks Korea.
The Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency began a search and seizure at the headquarters of Starbucks Korea at 8:50 a.m. on August 5 on suspicion of insult and other charges. The police plan to review not only materials previously submitted by Shinsegae Group following its internal audit, but also additional internal documents, in order to confirm the planning and approval process behind the controversial promotion.
On May 18, Starbucks Korea conducted a tumbler promotion using phrases such as "5·18 Tank Day" and "Bang the desk!" which sparked controversy. In response, honor recipients of the May 18 Democratization Movement and the civil organization People's Livelihood Countermeasure Committee filed criminal complaints against Shinsegae Group executive chairman Chung Yong-jin and former CEO Son Jung-hyun, accusing them of insult and defamation. They argue that these expressions evoke memories of the deployment of military armored vehicles during the May 18 Democratization Movement, as well as of the statement made by police during the 1987 torture and death case of Park Jong-chul: "He died instantly after I banged the desk."
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In June, the police sought a search and seizure warrant, but prosecution authorities rejected it, citing insufficient evidence for some charges and the fact that Shinsegae Group had already submitted its internal audit materials. Since then, the police have continued their investigation, questioning individuals such as Yang Jong-hwan, head of Shinsegae Group's audit team, as witnesses.
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