Starbucks Korea CEO fired after ‘Tank Day’ promotion sparks public uproar, calls for boycott
The CEO of Starbucks Korea was fired following a controversial marketing campaign that sparked public outrage. The campaign, which coincided with a day commemorating a historical pro-democracy uprising, was criticized for evoking painful memories of a military crackdown. Starbucks has since apologized and withdrawn the campaign amidst calls for boycotts and refunds from customers.
- ▪Sohn Jeong-hyun, the head of Starbucks Korea, was dismissed for conducting inappropriate marketing.
- ▪The 'Tank Day' campaign drew backlash for its timing with Democratization Movement Day, which honors the Gwangju Uprising of 1980.
- ▪South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed anger over the campaign and demanded an apology from Starbucks.
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World News Starbucks Korea CEO fired after ‘Tank Day’ promotion sparks public uproar, calls for boycott By Reuters Published May 19, 2026, 9:35 a.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google SEOUL – The head of Starbucks Korea has been fired after a marketing campaign sparked public outrage and boycott calls for evoking painful memories of a brutal military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in 1980. Shinsegae Group, the retail conglomerate that licenses and manages the U.S.
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