Progressive groups held rallies across Seoul on the 23rd condemning Starbucks Korea and Shinsegae Group's largest shareholder, Chairman Chung Yong-jin.
The Korea University Advancement Association (대진연) declared a Starbucks boycott in front of the Starbucks Korea headquarters building in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam District, on the afternoon of the day, saying, "We must firmly punish those who defile and insult Korea's history." They also set up a placard at the rally site that read, "Chung Yong-jin must resign."
The progressive civic group Candlelight Action also held a rally around 5 p.m. near the U.S. Embassy in Gwanghwamun. Lee Gil-jae, head of Gangwon Candlelight Action, said to Starbucks that it "belittled and insulted the May 18 Gwangju Uprising and the June Democratic Uprising," adding, "Although the chairman apologized, public anger has not subsided."
Earlier, on May 18, Starbucks ran a tumbler promotion using the phrases "Tank Day" and "Tak on the desk!" sparking controversy.