On May 22, the ministry announced in a press release that it had directed the Supreme Prosecutors' Office to assess the status of surveys, contests, and events utilizing the promotional items.
However, in response to reports from multiple media outlets suggesting potential disciplinary actions against purchasers of the promotional items, the ministry stated, "This is completely untrue."
A ministry official added, "We have never conducted an event using Starbucks products before, so disciplinary actions are out of the question."
Earlier, several media outlets, including TV Chosun, reported that the Justice Ministry had instructed the Supreme Prosecutors' Office to report on the purchase records of Starbucks products. The reports indicated that the ministry requested details specifically for items such as Starbucks tumblers, gift cards, and e-gift certificates, excluding simple coffee purchases.
The controversy surrounding Starbucks' 'Tank Day' promotion erupted on May 18, prompting strong criticism from government officials, including President Lee Jae-myung, Justice Minister Jeong Sung-ho, and Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung. This has led to a widespread boycott of Starbucks within government circles.
Minister Yoon declared a de facto boycott of Starbucks on social media the day before, stating, "We will not provide products from companies that trivialize the history and values of democracy or exploit them for commercial purposes."
Minister Jeong also expressed on social media on May 20, "If the ruling and opposition parties had agreed to include the spirit of May 18 in the constitutional preamble just 13 days ago, and if it had passed through the National Assembly, such an outrageous act as Starbucks' 'Tank Day' would not have even been conceivable. The path to restoring justice and common sense is long and arduous, but the Justice Ministry will fulfill its responsibilities."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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