Chair of Shinsegae Group (Starbucks Korea owner) since 2024; among Korea’s wealthiest; facing public backlash over ‘Tank Day’ campaign and issuing apologies after marketing missteps.
Starbucks Korea has ordered a nationwide early closure of all stores for a half‑day history lesson and social sensitivity training following a controversial “Tank Day” promotion tied to the Gwangju Uprising. Executives will participate in separate training, as the company seeks to prevent a repeat of the PR crisis.