South Korean police raided the headquarters of Starbucks Korea on Wednesday as part of an investigation into a controversial marketing campaign that sparked outrage for evoking memories of the military crackdown on the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, local media reported.
The investigation centres on the company's "Tank Day" reusable cup promotion, which coincided with the anniversary of the pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju, where at least 165 people were killed during a military crackdown.
Critics said the campaign's use of the word "tank" was deeply offensive, associating it with the military violence used to suppress demonstrators.
Probe follows public backlash
According to Yonhap News Agency, police launched the investigation after a civic group filed a complaint in May accusing Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin of insulting victims of the uprising.
Investigators are examining whether Starbucks Korea officials planned the promotion with the intent to offend those connected to the pro-democracy movement.
E-Mart, a key Shinsegae Group affiliate, holds the controlling stake in Starbucks Korea.
Following the backlash, Starbucks Korea dismissed its chief executive, while Chung publicly apologised for the campaign.
