Composite Image of Jung Yong-jin's Face with Ilbe Hand Gesture... "Go to IlbeBucks and Have an Anti-Communist Latte"

Jung Yong-jin Apologizes for 'Myeolgong' Remarks but Controversy Continues
Malicious Starbucks Logo Edits Spark Netizens' "Boycott Starbucks" vs "This Is Going Too Far" Debate

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Amid ongoing controversy over Jung Yong-jin, Vice Chairman of Shinsegae Group's 'Myeolgong' (Anti-Communism) remarks, a maliciously edited photo combining Jung's face and the distinctive hand gesture of Ilbe (Ilgan Best Storage) with the Starbucks logo has been circulating online.

On an online community on the 12th, a post titled "Ilbe Starbucks Korea Yongjin hyung" was uploaded. The author wrote, "Should I go to Ilbe-bucks (Ilbe + Starbucks) and have a Myeolgong latte?" and posted a photo.

The photo shows Jung's face superimposed on the Starbucks logo, with the phrase "ILBE BUGS COFFEE" inserted at the bottom. Additionally, the distinctive finger gesture representing Ilbe users was added.

Some netizens who saw this expressed agreement, saying "We should boycott Starbucks," while others criticized it as "an excessive insult that has crossed the line."

Previously, Jung sparked controversy by repeatedly posting the hashtag "Myeolgong" on his Instagram posts. Subsequently, Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, and some party members engaged in a "Myeolgong certification relay," causing a significant stir in the political sphere.

Following this, on social media and online communities, both boycott and purchase campaigns targeting Starbucks and other Shinsegae affiliates' products emerged simultaneously, spreading the controversy.

As the situation worsened, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions' National E-Mart Labor Union issued a statement on the 12th titled "Businessman Yongjin hyung, Myeolgong is fine, but first reflect on the business you have been running." The union stated, "Despite the difficult environment with increasing online shopping and various regulations, E-Mart, the group's main business, is holding its own compared to competitors thanks to employees' efforts," and expressed "deep concern over Vice Chairman Jung's words and actions that cause discord among customers and the public and damage the company's image."

Subsequently, Jung apologized for his 'Myeolgong' remarks. On the 13th, he posted on his SNS, "If even one colleague or customer turns away because of me, nothing can justify it," adding, "If anyone was hurt by my freedom, it is entirely my shortcoming."