Actor Jeong Min-chan posted an apology after leaving the musical Diaghilev amid criticism for uploading a photo taken at a Starbucks visit while conducting "Tank Day" marketing on the anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement.
On the 23rd, Jeong Min-chan posted on his personal social media, "I usually handle performances, rehearsals and various activities on my own, so I posted without properly recognizing situations related to the recent social atmosphere," he wrote.
Earlier, on the 20th, Jeong Min-chan uploaded a photo confirming his visit to Starbucks and posted, "A Starbucks employee gave me a sample to taste so I was like, oh oh thank you very much, and when I drank it I wondered why it tasted like makgeolli.. Looking closely the color also looked like coffee mixed with makgeolli.. I wonder if drinking this would get you drunk, ah I also feel a little dizzy," along with photos of visiting a Starbucks store.
However, Starbucks held a "Tank Day" promotion on the anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement using phrases such as "slam it on the desk!" and faced backlash. Shinsegae chairman Chung Yong-jin dismissed the CEO and executives of Starbucks Korea and issued an official apology. President Lee Jae-myung also criticized the incident, and a boycott has continued regardless of individuals or corporations.
Some wondered whether Jeong Min-chan's post was meant to defend "May 18 Tank Day." Among some far-right netizens, there were instances of actively joining the controversy and encouraging use of Starbucks.
Jeong Min-chan explained, "I've been busy with life so I don't pay much attention to the news or issues, and I don't know why everyone is paying so much attention to me or what I should do. In any case, not knowing and being ignorant were wrong, so I offer my sincere apology. I will make sure to follow the news carefully from now on."
However, some netizens criticized Jeong Min-chan for treating the controversy lightly and for using a Chungcheong dialect in his apology despite not being from Chungcheong Province, saying "Are you trying to intimidate us?" The production company Showplay announced Jeong Min-chan's departure from the musical Diaghilev, in which he had been appearing.
Showplay did not disclose specific reasons for his departure but added, "The production, actors and staff will all act more carefully to prevent such incidents from recurring, and we will do our best to repay audiences with good performances for the remaining shows."
Ultimately Jeon Min-chan said on his personal social media, "I did not post with any intention or specific message. But as a result, I caused hurt and discomfort to many people, and I belatedly came to deeply realize how rash and inadequate I was."
Jeong Min-chan bowed his head and said, "Also, seeing many people's opinions and reactions, as someone who expresses himself, I deeply reconsidered that I need to pay more careful attention to social atmosphere and meaning. Even though I have always delivered people's hearts through the stage and works, I reflect a lot on the fact that I missed and did not diligently consider parts that needed more careful attention."
Responding to netizens' criticism, Jeon Min-chan said, "I belatedly learned how much this issue is being received as great meaning and pain by many people, and that there are people raising their voices and acting for a better direction." He added, "I deeply reflect on the fact that I acted without properly recognizing that part. I sincerely apologize to those who were hurt by my shortcomings."
[photo] Showplay, SNS
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