Starbucks Korea sacks CEO over controversial 'Tank Day' promotion
Summary
Starbucks Korea ended a coffee tumbler promotion called "Tank Day" after people linked it to a violent military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in 1980. The company apologized, canceled the event, and fired its CEO following criticism from South Korea's president and public calls to boycott the brand.Key Facts
- Starbucks Korea launched a "Tank Day" promotion for a tumbler with a large coffee capacity.
- The promotion started on the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising, a violent military crackdown in 1980.
- Many people felt the "tank" reference reminded them of military vehicles used against protesters.
- Starbucks Korea canceled the event hours after launching it and issued an apology.
- The CEO of Starbucks Korea, Sohn Jeong-hyun, was fired over the controversy.
- South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung publicly condemned the promotion for insulting democracy victims.
- Shinsegae, the company owning most of Starbucks Korea, promised to review its marketing approval process.
- The Gwangju Uprising is regarded as a key event in South Korea’s movement toward democracy.
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