Quick access to main page (top) Direct access to main contents Quick access to main page (bottom)

Starbucks Korea’s ‘Tank Day’ Controversy: What Went Wrong?

Daniel Kim Views  

Translation result.

Major international outlets gave prominent coverage to the controversy over Starbucks Korea’s so‑called “Tank Day” marketing tied to the May 18 pro-democracy movement anniversary. The Guardian reported on May 18 (local time) that Starbucks Korea’s CEO Son Jung-hyun was dismissed amid the backlash, saying the “Tank Day” event provoked outrage after critics accused it of “maliciously mocking” the violent crackdowns of Korea’s authoritarian era. Reuters noted the campaign even used language reminiscent of the evasive arguments once deployed to conceal the 1987 torture death of Park Jong-chul, reopening painful memories in South Korea’s modern history. AFP emphasized that the phrase “Tank Day” drew strong criticism because it evoked the military vehicles used to suppress the 1980 pro-democracy protests. #Starbucks #Reuters #Guardian #TankDay #AFP Yonhap News TV — Inquiries and tips: KakaoTalk/LINE jebo23; Choi Jin-kyung (highjean@yna.co.kr)

Most Commented

Daniel Kim
content@en.tenbizt.com

Comments0

300

Comments0

[Social] Latest Stories

  • Starbucks Korea CEO Fired Over Controversial ‘Tank Day’ Promotion
    Starbucks Korea CEO Fired Over Controversial 'Tank Day' Promotion
  • 25,000 Robots vs. Human Workers: The High-Stakes Battle at Hyundai
    25,000 Robots vs. Human Workers: The High-Stakes Battle at Hyundai
  • Hotel Hygiene Scandal: Cleaner Caught Using Guest Towels to Wipe Toilets
    Hotel Hygiene Scandal: Cleaner Caught Using Guest Towels to Wipe Toilets
  • South Korea’s Tech Giant Kakao Faces First Major Strike in 20 Years
    South Korea's Tech Giant Kakao Faces First Major Strike in 20 Years
  • South Korea’s Aging Crisis: How One Leader Is Redefining ‘Well-Dying’
    South Korea’s Aging Crisis: How One Leader Is Redefining 'Well-Dying'
  • Stop Calling Them ‘Hey You’: South Korea’s New Push for Worker Respect
    Stop Calling Them 'Hey You': South Korea's New Push for Worker Respect

Weekly Best Articles

  • 2026 FIFA World Cup in LA: 39 Days of Unforgettable Fan Experiences and Events!
  • Maximize Your Paris Trip: Essential Guide to Mont Saint-Michel Day Tours and Overnight Stays
  • Dubai vs. Japan: Which Destination Offers Better Safety and Cleanliness for Travelers?
  • ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026: Key Insights on Sustainable Growth in Cebu
  • Hyeri’s Luxurious Tokyo Baby Moon: Discover Why Bulgari Hotel Stands Out
  • Mont Saint-Michel Tour: Day Trip vs. 1-Night Stay – Which One Suits Your Travel Style?

Weekly Best Articles

  • 2026 FIFA World Cup in LA: 39 Days of Unforgettable Fan Experiences and Events!
  • Maximize Your Paris Trip: Essential Guide to Mont Saint-Michel Day Tours and Overnight Stays
  • Dubai vs. Japan: Which Destination Offers Better Safety and Cleanliness for Travelers?
  • ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026: Key Insights on Sustainable Growth in Cebu
  • Hyeri’s Luxurious Tokyo Baby Moon: Discover Why Bulgari Hotel Stands Out
  • Mont Saint-Michel Tour: Day Trip vs. 1-Night Stay – Which One Suits Your Travel Style?

Hot Topics