Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin expressed deep regret over a Starbucks Korea promotional event that stirred painful memories of the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy movement crackdown. At a press conference in Seoul, he sincerely apologized for the inappropriate marketing that caused distress to many individuals. Chung emphasized his commitment to taking full responsibility for the incident and seeking forgiveness from those affected.
Acknowledging the hurt caused to the bereaved families of the Gwangju uprising victims and the people of Gwangju, Chung pledged to address the situation without making excuses. He highlighted the collective aspiration to enhance South Korea and create a better world for future generations. In a bid to rebuild public trust, Chung announced plans to conduct a comprehensive review of internal systems, risk management processes, and social responsibility standards within Shinsegae Group.
During the press conference, Chung reiterated the group’s dedication to improving, learning humbly, enhancing communication, and embracing greater accountability. Despite an initial apology following the controversial “Tank Day” promotion by Starbucks Korea, operated by Shinsegae affiliate E-Mart, Chung’s formal public apology marked a significant step in addressing the issue. The group’s internal investigation, hampered by employees’ reluctance to provide smartphones, found no evidence of intentional planning behind the event.
Shinsegae Group affirmed its commitment to collaborating with law enforcement in the ongoing probe and assured swift dismissal and legal action against any employees implicated in malicious intent. Chung’s public apology, the first since assuming his current role in March 2024, aimed to address the escalating controversy surrounding the promotional campaign.
