Starbucks Korea Faces Outcry Over Offensive Campaign

Summary

Starbucks Korea’s controversial marketing campaign sparked nationwide outrage after linking a tumbler to the Gwangju massacre anniversary and using a slogan echoing a police cover-up — leading to immediate cancellation, firing of leadership, and a televised apology from the company’s chairman. The incident reignited painful memories of South Korea’s democ…

Show notes

Starbucks Korea’s controversial marketing campaign sparked nationwide outrage after linking a tumbler to the Gwangju massacre anniversary and using a slogan echoing a police cover-up — leading to immediate cancellation, firing of leadership, and a televised apology from the company’s chairman. The incident reignited painful memories of South Korea’s democracy struggle, with critics calling the campaign “anti-historical” and “inhumane,” while police investigate and boycotts grow. Support the show

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