Cha Jun-yong drinking Starbucks coffee vs. Han Jeong-su cutting a card: Divergent reactions to the 'Tank Day' controversy [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

Amid controversy over coffee brand Starbucks' "5.18 Tank Day" marketing, actors' responses have also been divided.

On the 20th, Han Jeong-su posted a message and photo on his personal account stating, "Let's go now." The photo released by Han Jeong-su showed a cut Starbucks card.

In contrast, Cha Jun-yong posted a photo of himself drinking Starbucks coffee on his SNS on the 19th along with the caption, "Coffee is Starbucks," adding the hashtag "anti-public coffee."

Previously, Cha Jun-yong had publicly expressed support for President Yoon Suk-yeol during the impeachment political crisis.

Starbucks Korea ran a tumbler promotion event from the 15th to the 26th. However, during this process, phrases such as "Tank Day" and "Tap on the desk" were used on the 18th, sparking controversy.

Criticism arose on online LINE communities and SNS that these expressions mocked the the 18th Democratic Uprising and the 1987 torture-to-death case of activist Park Jong-cheol. As the controversy grew, Starbucks Korea halted the event and issued an apology.

Criticism also poured in from the political sphere. President Lee Jae-myung even stated, "I am furious at the inhumane and extreme behavior of low-class merchants who deny the Republic of Korea's community, basic human rights, and democratic values," and added, "They should appropriately bear corresponding moral, administrative, legal, and political responsibilities."

Subsequently, the controversy surrounding Starbucks appears to be escalating into an "ideological conflict." Some have continued boycott movements against Starbucks, while some conservative-right supporters have responded with defense. This has led to sharply divided reactions within the entertainment industry, with some boycotting Starbucks and others supporting it.

Meanwhile, Shinsegae Group Chairman Jung Yong-jin said, "There is no room for justification," and added, "We deeply acknowledge that the group lacked historical awareness and sensitivity regarding the Republic of Korea's historical pain. We sincerely apologize once again to the spirits and families of the the 18th victims, citizens of Gwangju, the family of activist Park Jong-cheol, all who sacrificed for this nation's democracy, and the people of this country."

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*This content was translated by AI.