South Korean Police Raid Starbucks Korea Headquarters Over Controversial Ad Campaign

South Korean Police Raid Starbucks Korea Headquarters Over Controversial Ad Campaign South Korean police on Wednesday raided the headquarters of Starbucks Korea as part of an ongoing investigation into a controversial marketing campaign that sparked nationwide outrage and one of the country’s biggest recent corporate public relations crises. The investigation centers on Starbucks Korea’s “Tank Day” promotion, launched in May to advertise a line of reusable tumblers. The campaign coincided with the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, a pro-democracy movement that was violently suppressed by the military, leaving at least 165 civilians dead. Many South Koreans viewed the campaign’s use of the word “tank” as insensitive and offensive, triggering widespread criticism, protests, and boycott calls. The Seoul Metropolitan Police searched the company’s headquarters to gather evidence as investigators examine whether company officials intentionally approved or planned a campaign that could be interpreted as insulting victims of the historic crackdown and their families. The raid follows complaints filed by civic groups accusing senior executives of defamation and insulting the memory of those killed during the uprising. The controversy forced Starbucks Korea to withdraw the promotion almost immediately. The company issued a public apology, dismissed its chief executive, and later shut all of its stores nationwide for employee training focused on Korean history and social sensitivity. Shinsegae Group, which operates Starbucks Korea under license, also apologized for the incident. The police investigation remains ongoing, with authorities reviewing documents and digital evidence seized during the raid to determine whether criminal charges are warranted. Starbucks Korea has said it is cooperating with investigators as the company continues efforts to rebuild public trust following the backlash.