Ju Biung-ghi, chairperson of the Korea Fair Trade Commission, aimed at Starbucks and said on the 29th, "If you forget the global standard for universal human rights and consumer rights, the very existence of corporations can be put at risk."
The chairperson appeared on YouTube's "Choi Uk's Maebul Show" that day and said, "With this incident, corporations should see that Korea is an advanced democracy."
Earlier, Starbucks used the phrases "desk tap" and "Tank Day" in a tumbler marketing campaign and faced criticism for belittling the May 18 Democratic Uprising. In response, the chairperson said, "Exploiting the tragic experiences of our history to deceive consumers is an act that forgets consumers' basic rights."
Regarding the terms for rechargeable prepaid cards that allow refunds only if more than 60% has been used, the chairperson said, "In an exceptional situation like this, our refund rule can feel quite strict." The chairperson added, "Because our rule applies to both exceptional and normal situations at the same time, we have to weigh both sides and revise the rule."
The chairperson said, "We are continuously reviewing whether there are other means in exceptional situations," and added, "We are reviewing whether parts that made it hard to withdraw require corrective action under the terms." The chairperson continued, "Because public anger was high, I think it is fortunate that the (Starbucks) management reflected this and, even if only for two weeks, took steps to allow full refunds so people could withdraw immediately."