CEO of Starbucks in South Korea fired over controversial ad campaign
The CEO of Starbucks Korea has been fired following a controversial ad campaign that evoked a tragic historical event. The promotion, which coincided with a day of remembrance for pro-democracy protesters, sparked significant outrage and calls for boycotts. Starbucks has since apologized and committed to implementing stricter internal reviews to prevent similar incidents in the future.
- ▪Starbucks Korea launched a 'Tank Day' campaign that coincided with the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising.
- ▪The campaign's slogans were criticized for being insensitive and reminiscent of a military crackdown on protesters.
- ▪The CEO was dismissed, and the company has promised to enhance its internal review processes.
5 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 21 hours. Coverage spans 3 points on the political spectrum — 2 lean left, 1 centre, 1 right.
- ▪ Starbucks Korea CEO Fired Over ‘Tank Day’ Ad Evoking Country’s Brutal History — NYT > Business
- ▪ Starbucks Korea CEO fired after ‘Tank Day’ promotion sparks public uproar, calls for boycott — New York Post
- ▪ Starbucks Korea CEO fired over promotion that evoked military crackdown — Al Jazeera English
- ▪ Starbucks South Korea head fired after ‘Tank Day’ promotion sparks public uproar — Japan Times
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — Business |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/may/18/ceo-starbucks-in-south-korea-fired-over-controversial-ad-campaign |
| Publication time | Mon, 18 May 2026 16:50:11 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-18T17:04:56.667Z |
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Starbucks Korea has pulled the promotion and apologised, with a promise to implement stricter internal reviews. Photograph: Heorshe/AlamyView image in fullscreenStarbucks Korea has pulled the promotion and apologised, with a promise to implement stricter internal reviews. Photograph: Heorshe/AlamyStarbucksCEO of Starbucks in South Korea fired over controversial ad campaignThe ‘Tank Day’ event has been described as ‘malicious mockery’ of a deadly crackdown on pro-democracy protestersRaphael Rashid in Seoul Mon 18 May 2026 12.50 EDTLast modified on Mon 18 May 2026 13.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe chief executive of Starbucks in South Korea has been fired after the company ran a promotional event using slogans that evoked a massacre of pro-democracy protesters during the…
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