Amid a growing boycott of Starbucks following the ‘Tank Day’ event that mocked the May 18 Democratization Movement, musical actor Jung Min-chan (38), who posted a Starbucks ‘proof shot’ of his visit, has exited the production.

On the 22nd, Showplay, producer of the musical ‘Diaghilev,’ posted on its official Instagram, stating, “Actor Jung Min-chan, who played Nijinsky, has decided to step down from the performance after sufficient discussions with the production company,” and added, “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to audiences due to the actor’s departure and changes to the casting schedule.”

The production did not disclose a specific reason for Jung Min-chan’s departure.

On the 20th, Jung Min-chan posted on his Instagram a photo of the drink along with the caption, “An Sbucks (Starbucks) employee handed me a sample to taste, so I drank it, but why does it taste like makgeolli? Looking closely, even the color looks like coffee mixed with makgeolli,” adding, “I wonder if drinking this would get you drunk.”

Some criticized it as inappropriate to publicly post about his visit to Starbucks. In response, Jung Min-chan said, “I’ve been so caught up in real life that I’m not up to date on news or current issues; I don’t know what to do with all this attention you’re giving me,” and added, “Not knowing and being ignorant are both wrong, so I offer my sincere apologies. I’ll make sure to keep up with the news from now on.”

Earlier in February, Jung Min-chan’s name and photo appeared on a performer poster for the ‘March 1 Independence Movement Commemorative Freedom Concert,’ organized by far-right YouTuber Jeon Han-gil. At the time, he announced he would not participate, saying, “I did receive an offer to perform, but I wasn’t given a detailed explanation of the event’s purpose. I have no connection to, or interest in, this event.” Other slated performers, including Tae Jin-a, also distanced themselves from the event.

A former member of the Korean National Ballet, Jung Min-chan has expanded his activities as a musical theater actor and trot singer. In the musical ‘Diaghilev,’ he played the role of the genius ballerino Nijinsky.