Brief

Starbucks Korea has issued a public apology following a marketing campaign that deeply offended South Koreans. The promotion, coinciding with the anniversary of the Gwangju Democratic Uprising, used language and imagery perceived as mocking the country's pro-democracy history and past human rights abuses. The head of Shinsegae, the parent company, personally apologized, taking full responsibility for the blunder and vowing to ensure greater historical and public respect moving forward. AI

Starbucks Korea's head, Sohn Jeong-hyun, was fired by chairman Chung Yong-jin due to public backlash over a "Tank Day" promotion. The campaign, launched on South Korea's Democratisation Movement Day, was perceived as insensitive and mocking the anniversary of the Gwangju uprising. The promotion offered discounts on tumblers and used language that evoked memories of past political violence, leading to widespread anger and an apology from Starbucks Korea. AI