'Tank Day' Controversy Backlash.. Seoul Jazz Festival Cancels Starbucks Booth Operation

*This content was translated by AI.

Amid criticism of Starbucks Korea for its 'Tank Day' event on the 18th, the major music festival Seoul Jazz Festival (hereinafter referred to as Seojape) has canceled its planned Starbucks booth operation.

The Seojape organizers announced on the 20th via official SNS: "The Starbucks booth will not be operated at '18th Seojape 2026.' We ask for your understanding."

This festival is the largest among music festivals and will be held from the 22nd to the 24th at Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul.

The organizers did not disclose specific reasons for canceling the Starbucks operation, but the move is interpreted as a response to the recent controversy surrounding Starbucks' tumbler promotion on the anniversary of the the 18th Democratic Uprising.

Starbucks Korea launched the 'Tank Day' event on the anniversary of the the 18th Democratic Uprising. Additionally, the phrase 'Table Tack' was used, drawing criticism for evoking memories of the deployment of martial law troops during the the 18th incident and the police explanation during the 1987 Park Jong-chul torture death case.

Ultimately, Jung Yong-jin, Chairman of Shinsegae Group and parent company of Starbucks Korea, dismissed the CEO of Starbucks Korea and issued a formal apology. The Starbucks side bowed their heads, stating: "We sincerely apologize to the spirits of the 18th, the the 18th groups, citizens of Gwangju, the bereaved families of martyr Park Jong-chul, and all who led the democratization of the Republic of Korea, for the deep wounds caused by marketing containing incorrect expressions regarding the the 18th Democratic Uprising."

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*This content was translated by AI.