Starbucks sees sales drop, mass protests in South Korea after ‘Tank Day’ promotion for massacre that killed 2,000 people
Starbucks is facing significant backlash in South Korea after a promotional campaign that referenced a tragic military crackdown. The campaign, which coincided with the anniversary of the event, has led to mass protests and calls for a boycott from government officials. In response to the outrage, Starbucks has seen a notable drop in sales and has taken steps to address the situation, including firing employees involved in the campaign.
- ▪Starbucks held a promotion called 'Tank Day' that coincided with the anniversary of a military crackdown in South Korea.
- ▪The promotion sparked protests, with activists accusing the company of trivializing a historical tragedy that resulted in the deaths of 2,000 people.
- ▪The head of Starbucks Korea was fired, and the company is cooperating with a police investigation into the marketing campaign.
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World News Starbucks sees sales drop, mass protests in South Korea after ‘Tank Day’ promotion for massacre that killed 2,000 people By Anthony Blair Published May 26, 2026, 5:13 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google Starbucks is facing a major backlash and “very significant” drop in sales in South Korea after the coffee giant held a promotion that evoked a brutal military crackdown on protesters. Furious activists smashed Starbucks cups with a hammer in a protest outside a store in Gwangju, the site of a brutal military crackdown where some 2,000 Koreans were killed. The the chain is accused of “making light” of the 1980 tragedy, which happened during the country’s military dictatorship.
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