Starbucks Korea CEO Fired Over Gwangju Promotion Backlash
The company suspended the event and apologized after critics said the tumbler campaign evoked the 1980 Gwangju Uprising and a 1987 torture death.
- On Monday, Starbucks Korea suspended a promotional event after facing online backlash for using terminology critics argued provoked sentiment against the historic Gwangju Uprising.
- Critics argued the "Tank Day" title recalled military vehicles used by former President Chun Doo-hwan during the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, while promotional phrases referenced the 1987 torture death of student activist Park Jong-chul.
- Starbucks Korea offered discounts of 10 percent to 21 percent on tumbler sets before apologizing. "We identified an inappropriate phrase," the company said, adding it sincerely apologized for causing "concern and discomfort to customers."
- A civic group representing Gwangju victims accused the chain of "damaging the spirit of the democracy movement," while Justice Party chairman Kwon Young-kook criticized Shinsegae Group chairman Chung Yong-jin for alleged far-right leanings.
- Online users reshared past posts from Chung captioned with the hashtag "myeolgong," meaning "eradicate communism," as critics argued his conduct influenced approval of the controversial promotional wording.
52 Articles
52 Articles
On the very anniversary of a brutally suppressed uprising, Starbucks in South Korea is using a pun on the word "tank" in its advertising. The case has even reached the president. On Monday, Starbucks launched a new advertising campaign in South Korea: The company introduced a series of new cups called "Tank." But the seemingly harmless campaign has become a major issue in the Asian country.
On Monday Starbucks launched a new promotional campaign in South Korea: the company introduced a series of new mugs that bore the name "Tank" but the seemingly harmless campaign became a political one in the Asian country. In the end, the managing director had to take his hat. This was mainly due to the unfortunate date chosen. "Tank" means "Panzer" – and just on May 18, South Korea's Memorial Day to the Democracy Movement is celebrated. Althoug…
Starbucks Korea Sacks CEO Over Controversial Tank Day Promotion
How does a simple marketing campaign turn into a national controversy overnight? In South Korea, Starbucks has just found out the hard way.The company’s local CEO has been dismissed after a promotional campaign — “Tank Day” — sparked outrage. For being seen as a reference to one of the country’s most painful historical events: the 1980 Gwangju Uprising crackdown.The launch coincided with the anniversary of the military suppression of pro-democra…
Starbucks Korea Fires CEO Over Ad Campaign
Starbucks just lost its top executive in South Korea over a marketing push that collided with one of the country's most painful dates. The company ran a "Tank Day" promotion on Monday for a line of drink tumblers, pairing the phrase with "5/18"—a date reserved for commemorating the 1980...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
