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floriparesort.com – 26 May 2026 | SK Starbucks boss apologizes [titlebase] for the company’s recent marketing campaign, which was widely perceived as mocking victims of a bloody military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in 1980. The campaign, which declared May 18 to be ‘Tank Day,’ was met with immediate outrage, and within hours, Shinsegae canceled it and fired the chief executive of Starbucks Korea. The SK Starbucks boss apologizes [titlebase] for the pain and anger caused by the campaign, stating that he takes full responsibility for the mistake.
The controversy began when Starbucks attempted to promote a large size of a tumbler it calls a ‘tank’ by declaring May 18 to be ‘Tank Day.’ This date is the anniversary of a democratic uprising in the southern city of Gwangju that was brutally suppressed by troops, tanks, and helicopters, killing or injuring hundreds. The campaign compounded outrage by using the slogan ‘Thwack it on the table!,’ which many read as a reference to a notorious 1987 police statement that attempted to cover up the torture death of student activist Park Jong-chol.
Police claimed that Park died suddenly after investigators ‘hit the desk with a thwack.’ The SK Starbucks boss apologizes [titlebase] for the fact that many people felt deep pain and anger because of Starbucks Korea’s inappropriate marketing campaign. He also asked people not to take out their frustration on staff at Starbucks shops, saying the responsibility lies with management.
The SK Starbucks boss apologizes [titlebase] for the second time in two weeks, bowing three times during a televised statement as he pleaded for forgiveness from the families of democracy activists killed by the country’s former military dictatorship and from the broader public. There were no immediate reports of major incidents at stores. The company has yet to find conclusive evidence that Starbucks Korea marketing employees intended to mock the pro-democracy movement, an accusation the employees have denied.
The SK Starbucks boss apologizes [titlebase] once again, emphasizing that the company is committed to making things right and preventing similar mistakes in the future. The incident has sparked a national conversation about the importance of respecting the country’s history and the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists. As the company moves forward, it will be important for them to prioritize sensitivity and respect in their marketing campaigns.
In conclusion, the SK Starbucks boss apologizes [titlebase] for the company’s thoughtless and insensitive marketing campaign, which has caused significant pain and outrage among the public. The company’s commitment to making things right and preventing similar mistakes in the future is a step in the right direction, but it will take time and effort to rebuild trust with the community.
