Chung Yong-jin, chairman of Shinsegae Group, publicly apologized for a controversial marketing campaign by Starbucks Korea that many perceived as mocking the victims of the Gwangju massacre, which occurred during a military crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 1980. The campaign promoted a large tumbler as 'Tank Day', coinciding with the anniversary of the uprising, and included the slogan 'Thwack it on the table!', reminiscent of a police statement regarding the torture death of activist Park Jong-chol. The backlash led to the campaign's cancellation and the firing of Starbucks Korea's CEO. Chung expressed deep regret for the pain caused and urged the public not to blame store staff. The incident has sparked calls for boycotts and investigations into the intent behind the marketing, with government officials condemning the campaign as 'anti-historical'. The Gwangju massacre remains a significant event in South Korea's history, contributing to the country's eventual transition to democracy after years of military rule.