Starbucks Korea will close over 2,000 stores nationwide for half a day next week for staff to attend a history lesson. This follows a "Tank Day" promotion that evoked a deadly 1980 military crackdown on a pro-democracy uprising, causing public uproar and a sales decline.
Starbucks Korea is facing public anger for its "Tank Day" reusable cup promotion on May 18, the 46th anniversary of the Gwangju uprising, a deadly military crackdown on a pro-democracy movement where 165 civilians were killed.
Starbucks Korea Chairman Chung Yong-jin and employees will receive training on historical awareness and social sensitivity after a controversial "Tank Day" promotion linked to the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy uprising. The promotion, which used the word "tank" and a phrase evoking torture, was quickly suspended due to public backlash.
Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin apologized for Starbucks Korea's 'Tank Day' promotion, which evoked painful memories of the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy movement crackdown. Chung vowed to inspect internal systems and raise social responsibility standards.
Shinsegae executive Chung apologized for a tumbler promotion that coincided with the Gwangju Democratic Uprising commemoration, drawing criticism for its perceived insensitivity and references to past human rights abuses.
South Korean police are investigating 37 social media accounts for spreading false information about the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy uprising. A woman in her 50s is accused of posting AI-generated fake news claiming North Korea orchestrated the movement.
South Korean police are investigating AI-generated fake news claiming North Korea orchestrated the 1980 Gwangju democracy uprising. The probe follows public outrage over a Starbucks Korea promotion using the word "tank" near the uprising's anniversary.
Starbucks Korea CEO was fired after promoting a tumbler with "5.18 Tank Day" text, evoking the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. The promotion, which included "Dong! on the desk," faced backlash for trivializing the event and was criticized by President Lee Jae-myung. Shinsegae Group chairman apologized.
Starbucks Korea CEO Son Jung-hyun was fired after a marketing campaign on the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju uprising sparked outrage, including from President Lee Jae-myung. The campaign's use of "Tank Day" and "5/18" invoked the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters.
Starbucks Korea's CEO was fired after a "Tank Day" promotion, launched on the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising, was perceived as referencing the bloody crackdown. The campaign sparked boycotts and criticism from President Lee Jae Myung.
President Lee Jae Myung drew parallels between the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy movement and the public's actions to block a 2024 martial law attempt, emphasizing the revived spirit of solidarity. He vowed to enshrine this spirit in the Constitution.
