Starbucks Seoul Headquarters Raided Amidst Investigation Into Controversial Marketing Campaign
South Korean police raided the Seoul headquarters of Starbucks as part of an investigation into a marketing campaign perceived as defaming pro-democracy movements. The campaign, which promoted "SS Tank" tumblers and declared May 18th as "Tank Day," coincided with the…
Houston, TX, August 6, 2026 —
South Korean police have raided the Seoul headquarters of Starbucks, initiating an investigation into a marketing campaign that critics contend defames pro-democracy movements. The raid targeted the company’s main offices as authorities examine the potential implications of recent promotional activities.
The controversial campaign centered around the promotion of “SS Tank” tumblers and the declaration of May 18th as “Tank Day.” This date holds particular significance in South Korea, as it marks the anniversary of the 1980 pro-democracy uprising in Gwangju. The Gwangju Uprising was a pivotal event in the nation’s modern history, characterized by a brutal suppression of civilian protests.
Further fueling the controversy is the campaign’s slogan, “Thwack it on the table!” This phrase has drawn comparisons to a deeply troubling incident involving the cover-up of a student activist’s torture and death. Critics argue that the slogan and overall campaign demonstrate a severe lack of sensitivity and a potential attempt to trivialize historical struggles for democracy.
The investigation by South Korean police aims to determine the extent to which the marketing campaign may have defamed or disrespected the memory of those involved in the pro-democracy movements. Details regarding the specific charges or potential outcomes of the investigation were not immediately available.
Starbucks has not yet issued a comprehensive statement regarding the raid or the specific allegations. The company’s response is anticipated as the investigation unfolds, with many observers looking for clarity on the origins and intent behind the “SS Tank” tumbler promotion and associated messaging.
Story summarized from the original created by Hyung-Jin Kim, Associated Press on www.click2houston.com, see more information here.
