Starbucks Seoul Headquarters Raided Amidst Controversial Marketing Campaign Investigation
South Korean police raided the local headquarters of Starbucks in Seoul as part of an investigation into a controversial marketing campaign that was perceived as defaming pro-democracy movements from the 1980s. The campaign promoted stainless-steel tumblers called "SS Tank" and…
Houston, TX, August 6, 2026 —
Seoul, South Korea – Local authorities have conducted a raid on the South Korean headquarters of Starbucks as part of an ongoing investigation into a recent marketing campaign. The campaign, which promoted a new line of stainless-steel tumblers, has drawn significant criticism and is now under scrutiny for allegedly defaming pro-democracy movements from the 1980s.
The investigation centers on the “SS Tank” tumblers and their accompanying slogan, “Thwack it on the table!”. According to reports, this slogan has been perceived by some as evoking a painful historical incident. Specifically, it is said to recall a past event where a student activist reportedly died during police interrogation, with the sound of an interrogation tool being “thwacked” on a table being a disturbing element of that incident.
The connection drawn between the marketing campaign and the sensitive historical context has led to accusations that the campaign disrespected and defamed the sacrifices made by those involved in the pro-democracy movements of the 1980s. This era in South Korean history was marked by significant social and political upheaval as the country transitioned towards democracy.
The raid on Starbucks’ Seoul office was carried out by South Korean police. The specific details regarding the scope of the investigation and any potential charges were not immediately available. The company has not yet released a detailed official statement addressing the raid or the specific allegations surrounding the marketing campaign beyond acknowledging the concerns raised.
The controversy highlights the delicate balance companies must strike when creating marketing campaigns, particularly in regions with deeply resonant historical events. Public reaction in South Korea has been swift, with many expressing outrage and calling for accountability from the coffee giant.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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