Police Scrutinize Starbucks Korea’s Internal Review in Marketing Probe
Authorities are currently analyzing the results of an internal investigation conducted by Starbucks Korea as part of an ongoing probe into a controversial marketing campaign. The campaign, which reportedly coincided with the May 18th Gwangju Uprising commemoration, has sparked public outcry and led to a formal police inquiry.
During a regular press briefing on the 15th, the head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, Park Jeong-bo, affirmed that the investigation is proceeding with strict adherence to protocol. He also confirmed that interviews with individuals connected to Starbucks are being conducted as part of the process.
Background of the Marketing Controversy
The controversy emerged following a marketing initiative by Shinsegae Group and Starbucks Korea. Reports indicate that the campaign, which ran for approximately one week starting on a specific date, targeted individuals involved in commerce and financial transactions. Both Shinsegae Group and Starbucks Korea subsequently launched an internal audit to examine the campaign’s findings.
In their published results, the companies stated they found no grounds to confirm intentional wrongdoing. However, they acknowledged that limitations were encountered during the investigation, citing the refusal of a responsible executive to submit a leave request as one such obstacle.
Broader Investigations Underway
Separately, police are also investigating the chief executive of Hive, a company whose detention warrant application was reportedly rejected twice by prosecutors. The police have indicated that they will not be seeking an additional extension for the executive’s detention.
The head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency explained that the final charges will be determined after the completion of supplementary investigations. The Hive CEO is reportedly under suspicion for allegedly providing information to existing investors and venture capitalists before Hive’s IPO in 2019, suggesting no plans for listing. He is also suspected of directing a portion of his shares to a private equity fund established by an acquaintance.
Additional Allegations and Police Response
Furthermore, authorities are looking into an incident where the owner of a gold shop in Geumgok-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, allegedly absconded with customer deposits and cash. Over 110 complaints have been consolidated and are being investigated concurrently, according to the police chief.
Addressing the gold shop incident, Park stated, “It does not appear that the victim has absconded. We are conducting a missing person investigation, and the suspect has appointed a lawyer to respond.”
