South Korean police have raided the national headquarters of Starbucks over defamation claims surrounding a marketing campaign. The campaign, called 'Tank Day', was launched in May on the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, where hundreds were believed to have been killed by military forces. Starbucks quickly rolled it back, saying it was unintentional, but civic groups filed a criminal complaint against the company.
Starbucks Korea HQ Raided Over 'Tank Day' Fiasco
UKPulse News DeskSouth Korean police have raided the national headquarters of Starbucks over defamation claims surrounding a marketing campaign.
- Starbucks Korea launched a coffee tumbler promotion called 'Tank Day' on the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising.
- The campaign sparked a mass boycott movement and led to a serious decline in Starbucks sales in South Korea.
- Shinsegae Group, which operates Starbucks in Korea, sacked its chief executive and apologised for the 'inappropriate marketing'.
Why this matters: The scandal has significant implications for Starbucks' reputation in South Korea and the country's sensitive history.
What this means for you: If you are a customer of Starbucks in South Korea, you may want to consider the company's actions and whether they align with your values.