Starbucks Korea closes over 2,000 stores after 'Tank day' campaign
Starbucks Korea is closing more than 2,000 stores on June 22 at 3pm so employees will undergo mandatory history and social sensitivity training.
This big move comes after their "Tank Day" marketing campaign, launched on the anniversary of the Gwangju massacre, sparked outrage.
The half-day shutdown is expected to result in approximately 2.1 billion won in lost sales.
Starbucks Korea CEO fired amid boycotts
On June 22, staff will learn about South Korea's democratic movement and how to avoid insensitive marketing.
The controversy led to boycotts, viral protest videos, and even leadership shake-ups: Starbucks Korea's CEO was fired and both he and Shinsegae Group's chairman are now criminal suspects.
Sales have dropped by 25% since the incident, with government partnerships also on hold as people push for more accountability from big brands.