Photo : KBS News
Police are questioning additional complainants in a case against Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin after a Starbucks Korea marketing campaign sparked public outrage on the anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement.
According to the Public Crime Investigation Unit at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, investigators questioned five petitioners, including Park Ha-sung, a person recognized for his distinguished service during the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising in 1980, at the Gwangju Nambu Police Station.
On Wednesday of last week, the five had filed a complaint against Chung, as well as former Starbucks Korea CEO Son Jung-hyun and others, accusing them of defamation and violating the May 18 Special Act.
The legal case is a response to Starbucks Korea using slogans such as “Tank Day” to promote its Tank tumbler series last Monday, the anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement.
Critics said “Tank Day” evoked memories of the military vehicles deployed by former President Chun Doo-hwan to suppress pro-democracy protesters in Gwangju in 1980.