Starbucks Korea Promotion Sparks Outrage on Democracy Anniversary

Shinsegae Group, the head licensee of Starbucks in South Korea, dismissed the head of Starbucks Korea following a controversial 'Tank Day' promotion coinciding with Democratisation Movement Day. The campaign was viewed as insensitive, given the day's significance in honoring those who resisted dictatorship.

In a move sparking widespread criticism, Shinsegae Group, the key licensee of Starbucks in South Korea, has terminated the head of Starbucks Korea, Sohn Jeong-hyun. The dismissal follows a contentious marketing campaign launched on the anniversary of the Gwangju uprisings.

The 'Tank Day' promotion, which offered discounts on tumblers, was perceived as a painful reminder of military tanks suppressing protestors during the struggle against dictatorship in the 1980s. Public outcry linked the campaign's wording to past justifications for protestor deaths.

As South Korea observed Democratisation Movement Day, remembering those who lost their lives opposing military rule, the incident sparked an apology from Starbucks Korea and condemnation from public figures. President Lee Jae Myung publicly demanded further compensation for the protestors' families.