▲ This notice from Starbucks says it will not operate a booth at the upcoming "18th Seoul Jazz Festival" following controversy over remarks perceived as belittling the May 18 pro-democracy uprising. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, May 20 (Yonhap) -- Starbucks will not operate a booth at the upcoming "18th Seoul Jazz Festival" following controversy over remarks perceived as belittling the May 18 pro-democracy uprising.

 

Private Curve, the concert organizer behind the festival, said through its official social media account Wednesday that Starbucks would no longer participate during the event scheduled for May 22-24.

 

"We ask for the understanding of festivalgoers as Starbucks will not be operating during the event period," the organizer said.

 

Private Curve and Starbucks reportedly agreed through consultations not to proceed with the planned booth event.

 

Neither side provided a specific reason, but observers speculated that the decision was influenced by the recent controversy surrounding Starbucks over remarks seen as disparaging the May 18 Democratic Uprising.

 

Starbucks drew public criticism after holding a "Tank Day" event on the 46th anniversary of the May 18 pro-democracy movement.

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