A Starbucks outlet stands at Starbucks Korea’s headquarters in Seoul’s Gangnam Ward, South Korea, 05 August 2026. Police searched the headquarters as part of an investigation into allegations that the company’s controversial ‘Tank Day’ marketing campaign insulted and defamed victims of the military suppression of the May 18 Gwangju pro-democracy uprising in 1980. Photo by YONHAP / EPA
Aug. 5 (Asia Today) — South Korean police raided Starbucks Korea’s headquarters Wednesday as part of an investigation into allegations that its controversial “Tank Day” promotion insulted people recognized for their role in the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy uprising.
Investigators from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency began searching the company’s headquarters in the Centerfield building in Seoul’s Gangnam district at about 8:50 a.m.
The search warrant listed suspected insult and other offenses, according to police. It was the first police raid of Starbucks Korea in connection with the promotion.
Starbucks Korea launched the online campaign May 18, the anniversary of the Gwangju uprising, to promote a line of stainless-steel tumblers called “Tank.”
The use of the phrase “Tank Day” on the anniversary drew widespread criticism because tanks and armored vehicles were deployed during the military crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Gwangju in May 1980.
The company halted the promotion and apologized after the controversy erupted.
Police previously sought a search warrant in June, but prosecutors declined the request. Prosecutors reportedly said some of the suspected offenses would be difficult to establish and noted that Shinsegae Group had submitted materials from an internal audit.
Investigators continued questioning people connected to the case and analyzing company records.
Police questioned Yang Jong-wan, a Shinsegae Group executive responsible for internal audits, as a witness. Investigators asked about the company’s review of the controversy, how the promotion was planned and whether senior executives were involved.
“We cannot disclose details related to the investigation,” a police official said. “We plan to continue the investigation based on evidence secured through the search.”
In May, organizations representing people recognized for their participation in the Gwangju pro-democracy movement and the civic group Committee for People’s Livelihood Measures filed complaints against Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin and others.
The complaints alleged violations of South Korea’s special law concerning the May 18 movement as well as insult and defamation.
— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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