Police launched a compulsory investigation over the controversy surrounding the so-called "May 18 Tank Day" event.
According to police on the 5th, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Metropolitan Investigation Unit Public Crime Investigation Division conducted a search and seizure on Tuesday morning at Starbucks Korea's headquarters in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The warrant reportedly cited charges including insult.
Police are securing internal materials to determine whether there was intent in the event's planning and review process. While Shinsegae Group conducted its own audit, 3 of the 5 related executives and employees refused to submit their mobile phones.
This is the first time police have searched and seized Starbucks Korea in connection with the controversy. Police applied for a search and seizure warrant on June 8, but prosecutors sent it back. It was reportedly returned with the intent that additional voluntary investigation be conducted.
On May 18, the anniversary of the May 18 pro-democracy movement, Starbucks Korea caused public uproar by running inappropriate marketing under the name "Tank Day."
Recipients of merit for the May 18 pro-democracy movement and the civic group Committee for the Livelihood of Ordinary People (Seominwi) filed criminal complaints and accusations in May against Chairperson Jeong and others on charges including violating the Special Act on the May 18 Democratization Movement, insult, and defamation.