SS Tank

South Korean police raided the headquarters of Starbucks' local operation over a marketing campaign that was perceived as defaming 1980s pro-democracy movements. The controversial campaign used 'Tank Day,' marking an anniversary of a brutal uprising in Gwangju, and utilized slogans referencing past political cover-ups. Amid public outrage, Shinsegae Group forced Starbucks Korea to cancel the campaign and fire its chief executive.

South Korean police raided Starbucks’ local headquarters investigating a controversial marketing campaign that was perceived as defaming 1980s pro-democracy movements. The controversy stemmed from the promotion of “SS Tank” tumblers, linking May 18 to the brutal Gwangju uprising and using a slogan referencing Park Jong-chol's death. Following intense public outrage, Shinsegae Group canceled the campaign, fired the chief executive, and Starbucks Korea closed nationwide for mandatory training.

Starbucks Korea will close all stores early for mandatory history training following a controversial marketing campaign perceived as mocking victims of the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy uprising. The campaign, which used the slogan 'Thwack it on the table!', was canceled after backlash, and the CEO was fired. The training aims to address the controversy and prevent future issues.

Starbucks Korea will close all stores early on June 22 for mandatory history and social sensitivity training following backlash over a marketing campaign perceived as mocking victims of the 1980 Gwangju military crackdown. The campaign, promoting 'SS Tank' tumblers with the slogan 'Thwack it on the table!', was canceled hours after public outrage, leading to the CEO's dismissal and a police investigation.