A coffee by any other name: Starbucks avoids brewing controversy in South Korea
Summary
Starbucks in South Korea has temporarily stopped allowing drinks to be ordered using the names of presidential candidates in their app. This measure, aimed at staying neutral during the election season, will be in place until the election concludes on June 3.Key Facts
- Starbucks has blocked customers from using the names of presidential candidates when ordering drinks on its app.
- This decision is meant to keep the company neutral during South Korea's election season.
- The names banned include all six candidates running for president.
- The temporary ban will be lifted after the election on June 3.
- South Korean businesses often aim to appear neutral, especially during political events.
- Before this, some customers were using political phrases as nicknames on the app, causing issues for baristas.
- Other companies, like Naver, have also made changes to avoid political bias, such as disabling search suggestions related to candidates.
- In South Korea, public figures and companies are expected to be politically neutral, and even small things like clothing colors can be seen as political statements.
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