In connection with the controversy over Starbucks Korea's "Tank Day" promotion, Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin and former Starbucks Korea CEO Son Jeong-hyeon have been booked by police. However, this is a procedural step following the receipt of a complaint, and no summons for questioning has been conducted yet.
According to police and others on the 24th, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Public Crime Investigation Unit booked the chairman and the former CEO on charges including insult and violating the Special Act on the May 18 Democratization Movement.
They are accused of insulting May 18 merit awardees and bereaved families by using phrases such as "Tank Day" and "Bang on the desk!" when Starbucks Korea ran a tumbler promotion on the 18th, the anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement.
However, the bookings are largely a formal procedure converting them to suspect status upon receipt of the complaint. It is not understood to mean that police have identified specific circumstances supporting charges against the chairman and others.
Police plan to examine how Starbucks Korea planned the promotion, its internal review process, and whether any concerns were raised. They are also expected to investigate how far up the chain the promotion details were reported.