Home > National > Politics

Gov't halts use of Starbucks vouchers after controversial 'Tank Day' promotion

Published: 22 May. 2026, 12:56

Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung speaks during a meeting with the Democratic Party on May 20. [NEWS1]

Perils worsen for the embattled coffee giant Starbucks Korea. The government will no longer use products from companies accused of "trivializing democracy," Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung said Thursday, taking aim at the coffee brand over its controversial “Tank Day” promotion.

"Democracy was built upon the sacrifice and dedication of countless citizens," Yun wrote on X on Thursday. "Treating that history lightly or using it for commercial purposes is not something that can be looked over."

"We deeply regret Starbucks Korea’s historically insensitive behavior that recently caused controversy," he added.

Mobile vouchers, such as coffee coupons, are often used as gifts for participants in surveys, contests, and events. However, Yun said the Ministry of the Interior and Safety won't be using those of "controversial companies."

“Following the recent incident, the Interior Ministry will no longer provide products from companies that trivialize the history and values of democracy or use it for commercial purposes,” Yun further wrote on X. “I hope many public organizations and citizens will understand the decision taken by the Interior Ministry."

Government organizations and companies in Gwangju are also banning the use of Starbucks vouchers, following Starbucks Korea’s controversial "Tank Day" promotion. Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung told city officials to stop using Starbucks vouchers during city-hosted events beginning Thursday. Kwangju Bank, based in Gwangju, also announced that it would stop using Starbucks vouchers as gifts for its promotional events.

Starbucks Korea's recent campaign held on May 18. It used terms such as ″Tank Day″ and ″Tak on the desk.″ [SCREEN CAPTURE]

“The final responsibility for this incident clearly lies with Chairman Chung Yong-jin,” the city said. “There must be measures corresponding to the public’s anger.”

Starbucks Korea has been facing backlash over inappropriate language used in its tumbler promotion event. The coffee chain was criticized for designating May 18, the anniversary of the Gwangju Democratization Movement, as Tank Day.

The phrase “Tak! on the desk,” used in promotional materials, also drew criticism for recalling the infamous police statement issued after student activist Park Jong-cheol's death by torture. “Tak” is Korean onomatopoeia used to describe a sharp sound, often from one object hitting another, similar to the English language's “bang.”

As the controversy escalated, Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin issued a public apology on Tuesday, saying he “fully acknowledges that all responsibility lies with [him]” and dismissed Starbucks Korea's CEO.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY JEONG HYE-JEONG [[email protected]]