*South Korean Police Raid Starbucks Korea Headquarters*


 


NEXVIEW NEWS*

By 

Sarki Halima Musa 



 *South Korean Police Raid Starbucks Korea Headquarters*


_By NEXVIEW | Seoul | August 5, 2026_

Seoul Metropolitan Police on Wednesday raided the headquarters of Starbucks Korea as part of an investigation linked to the upcoming Liberation Day holiday, officials confirmed to CNN. While police declined to disclose further details, the raid comes just months after the company faced nationwide criticism over a controversial marketing campaign that sparked public outrage.


The controversy began in May when Starbucks Korea, operated under license by Shinsegae Group, launched a “Tank Day” promotion for its “Tank” tumblers. The campaign coincided with Democratization Movement Day, which commemorates the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, during which more than 100 civilians were killed while demanding democracy. The timing drew widespread condemnation, with President Lee Jae Myung saying he was “enraged.” Within 24 hours, Starbucks Korea issued a public apology, Starbucks Global opened an investigation, and Shinsegae dismissed the company's CEO over what it described as “inappropriate marketing.”


The backlash had a significant impact on the business. Sales reportedly fell sharply, and in June Starbucks Korea temporarily closed all of its stores nationwide for an afternoon to conduct mandatory staff training on historical awareness and social sensitivity. Analysts say the strong public reaction highlights the importance Koreans place on protecting symbols associated with the country’s democratic struggle. That sensitivity was also evident in December 2024 when former President Yoon Suk Yeol briefly declared martial law, prompting hundreds of protesters, including veterans of the Gwangju movement, to gather at parliament.


Although Wednesday’s raid has not been directly linked to the May marketing controversy, police said it is connected to preparations for Liberation Day, which commemorates Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule at the end of World War II. Starbucks Korea has yet to issue a statement regarding the investigation.



#NEXVIEW #NEXVIEWNews #NEXVIEWUpdates #StarbucksKorea #SouthKorea #SeoulPolice #LiberationDay #GwangjuUprising #MarketingFail #BreakingNews

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