President Lee Jae-myung again issued a stinging rebuke of Starbucks Korea, which is at the center of controversy over a "Tank Day" event accused of belittling the May 18 pro-democracy movement, noting that the company released a "siren mug" for the 10th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster two years ago.
On the evening of the 23rd, President Lee quoted a Facebook post by Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Jeong Jin-uk on X (formerly Twitter), saying, "To launch a siren event on the Sewol ferry disaster memorial day (Apr. 16)… I truly hope it is not true. It is something no one wearing a human face could possibly do," adding it was "the immoral act of a vicious huckster."
Earlier, Starbucks Korea announced the release of the "Siren Classic Mug" on Apr. 16, 2024. The siren is a mermaid in Greco-Roman mythology, depicted as a being that lures humans to ruin with enchanting songs. Since its founding in 1971, Starbucks has used it in its logo to signify captivating people with coffee.
Earlier, Starbucks Korea announced the release of the "Siren Classic Mug" on Apr. 16, 2024. The siren is a mermaid in Greco-Roman mythology, depicted as a being that lures humans to ruin with enchanting songs. Since its founding in 1971, Starbucks has used it in its logo to signify captivating people with coffee.
Jeong said, "They used the siren from myth, which wrecks ships with song, for an event on the Sewol ferry disaster day," adding, "The siren is the figure in the Starbucks logo, but doing this on Apr. 16 is an atrocious act that enrages all. Starbucks deserves punishment."
President Lee said, "On the memorial day, when bereaved families were writhing in pain and the public was in grief, they launched this code-like event that hid a mocking message, insulting the victims and sneering at the public as they amused themselves," adding, "It's not some 'Ilbe archive'; they say it was an official event by a major corporation, and I have nothing more to say."
The Starbucks controversy began with the "Tank Day" event held on the 18th. Starbucks Korea used the term "Tank Day" on the May 18 pro-democracy movement anniversary and faced criticism for using the phrase "a smack on the desk," which evoked the torture and death of activist Park Jong-chul. As the controversy grew, Starbucks halted the event and apologized.
He continued, "If you connect the incidents, it is hard to see the 'Tank Day' event for May 18, which mocked and insulted the Gwangju Democratization Movement and Park Jong-chul, as accidental," adding, "There will be public judgment on this beastly pattern of habitually reviling victims of state violence and disasters."
Some argue, however, that given Starbucks merchandise is released year-round on a rolling basis, the claims are excessive speculation.