Police conducted a search of Starbucks' headquarters on August 5 over allegations that the company's 'Tank Day' promotion insulted victims of the May 18 Democratic Uprising.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Special Investigation Unit found indications of a flawed internal audit submitted by Shinsegae Group, prompting them to obtain a search warrant.
From 8:50 a.m. to 6:24 p.m., approximately 40 investigators searched the Starbucks Korea headquarters in the Centerfield building in Gangnam and the homes of former CEO Son Jeong-hyeon and other executives.
The search warrant cited allegations that Starbucks insulted figures such as Park Jong-cheol, a martyr of the May 18 movement, through the promotion.
Items seized included the mobile phones of Son and executives involved in planning the 'Tank Day' promotion, as well as phones from three employees who refused to submit their devices during the internal audit.
Police are reportedly examining internal documents to determine whether those who planned the promotion intended to insult the victims of the May 18 Democratic Uprising.
They are also reviewing whether the phrase 'tap on the desk' used in the promotion could be considered defamatory towards the family of Park Jong-cheol.
On June 8, police applied for a search warrant for Starbucks at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, but it was rejected on June 12, with prosecutors suggesting that a voluntary investigation should be prioritized.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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