Starbucks Korea CEO resigns over ad evoking massacre of pro-democracy protesters
Summary
The CEO of Starbucks Korea resigned after the company ran an online campaign that offended many by referencing a tragic event in South Korean history. The promotion used phrases linked to the 1980 Gwangju massacre of pro-democracy protesters, leading to public outrage, an official apology, and the removal of the CEO and campaign executive.Key Facts
- Starbucks Korea launched a “Tank Day” promotion on May 18, tied to its “Tank” tumbler products.
- May 18 marks the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, where military forces violently suppressed pro-democracy protests.
- The campaign’s slogans evoked military tanks and phrases linked to torture cover-ups during South Korea’s dictatorship.
- The promotion sparked widespread anger and calls for boycotts due to its insensitivity to a tragic national event.
- Starbucks Korea quickly removed the campaign and issued an apology promising stricter internal reviews.
- The CEO, Son Jung-hyun, and the executive in charge of the campaign were fired by Shinsegae Group, Starbucks Korea’s majority owner.
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung publicly condemned the campaign and demanded accountability.
- Shinsegae Group chair Chung Yong-jin, known for far-right views and ties to President Trump’s family, faced renewed criticism for his past controversial statements.
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