As public outrage over Starbucks Korea and the ‘Tank Day’ event grows, some far-right netizens have created mocking parodies, sparking controversy.

On the 20th, posts on X (formerly Twitter) and online communities that implemented the late former president Chun Doo-hwan using generative artificial intelligence (AI) spread. They included scenes of Chun appearing with a Starbucks tumbler in hand, along with remarks that evoke May 18. The account that uploaded the post is known to have frequently posted content supportive of former president Yoon Suk-yeol.

Comments on the posts included responses such as “Eradicate communism”, “I support Starbucks”, and “I will consume in defiance of the boycott”. Some users posted photos of visits to Starbucks stores or photos verifying purchases, expressing willingness to join the so-called ‘buycott’ movement.

The controversy arose from a promotion Starbucks Korea ran on the 18th. While introducing a series of tank-shaped tumbler products, the company used the term ‘Tank Day’ along with the phrase ‘Tak on the desk’, drawing online criticism that it evoked the May 18 Democratization Movement and the Chun Doo-hwan regime.

As criticism spread, Starbucks Korea said the event wording was inappropriate, halted the promotion, and issued an apology. Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin also issued a public apology, saying “We lacked awareness and sensitivity regarding historical pain”.

On the day of the controversy, Shinsegae Group carried out personnel changes, replacing Son Jeong-hyeon, the head of Starbucks Korea, along with related executives. It then sent Shinsegae Group Executive Vice President Kim Su-wan to Gwangju to convey an apology; however, it was reported that an actual meeting did not take place as some May 18 organizations declined to meet.

A boycott movement is also continuing online. Shares of E-Mart, the largest shareholder of Starbucks Korea, weakened after the controversy, falling more than 10% over the two days of the 19th and 20th.