Police weigh search and seizure of Starbucks Korea amid 'Tank Day' probe

Police investigating the controversy surrounding Starbucks Korea's "Tank Day" promotion have left open the possibility of conducting a search and seizure of the company.

Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner Park Jeong-bo said Monday at a regular press briefing that "all possibilities exist" when asked whether investigators were considering coercive measures, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Park said police would conduct the investigation "strictly, given the high level of public interest," adding that investigators are analyzing relevant legal principles and court precedents related to potential insult charges.

Police have so far questioned complainants — including recipients of honors related to the May 18 pro-democracy movement and civic group representatives — who filed criminal complaints against Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin and former Starbucks Korea CEO Son Jeong-hyun. The charges include insult and violations of a special act governing the May 18 pro-democracy movement.

No suspects in the case have yet been summoned by police.

A police decision on independent lawmaker Kim Byung-kee, who faces more than 10 allegations of misconduct, is expected to be delayed until after the June 3 local elections. Park offered a measured response, saying investigators are "conducting necessary inquiries" and that the case "will be concluded when the time comes."

On the stalled investigation into Coupang Inc.'s personal data leak, Park similarly said police are "continuing necessary investigations" and that "a conclusion will come in due course."

Regarding HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, whose arrest warrant requests have been rejected twice by courts, Park said police have not yet reapplied for a warrant and are conducting supplementary investigations.

Park also said police launched a preliminary inquiry on May 18 into the omission of reinforcing steel bars during construction of the Samsung station section of the Greater Seoul Metropolitan Express Railway (GTX)-A line, and that the investigation is proceeding according to procedure.

Police are also conducting an international cooperative investigation into the leak of personal data belonging to 330 female CJ Group employees, which was distributed via Telegram.

The site where the data was posted has since been taken down. Park said police would "investigate fairly and according to procedure."

국가중요시설 한화에어로 사업장 폭발…4명 사망 [세상&]

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