The Defense Ministry has temporarily suspended its collaboration with Starbucks Korea on a soldier welfare program following criticism that the company trivialized the May 18 Democratic Uprising by hosting a 'Tank Day' event.
A Defense Ministry official stated on May 22, "We have decided to temporarily suspend and postpone the beverage support project for remote military units in collaboration with Starbucks Korea."
The official added, "We will carefully determine the direction of this matter, considering public sentiment and Starbucks Korea's social responsibility."
Last month, the Defense Ministry entered into a memorandum of understanding with Starbucks Korea for the 'Hero Program,' which aimed to provide beverage support for remote military units, scholarships for children of deceased or injured soldiers, and employment support programs for soldiers about to be discharged.
Starbucks Korea faced backlash for using phrases like 'Tank Day' and 'Desk Tapping' during a tumbler promotion in May, which were seen as mocking the May 18 Democratic Uprising and the torture and death of activist Park Jong-cheol. The company subsequently canceled the promotion.
As a result of the controversy surrounding Starbucks Korea's 'Tank Day' marketing, a boycott movement has emerged across society, including among government officials.
On the previous day, Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "In light of this situation, the Ministry will not provide products from companies that trivialize or commercialize the history and values of democracy."
Earlier on the same day, Minister of Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul expressed his deep regret regarding Starbucks Korea's marketing related to the May 18 Democratic Uprising.
Following the controversy, the Veterans Affairs Ministry reportedly issued internal guidelines to refrain from using Starbucks gift cards and other products in its events for the next two to three years.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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