{"id":261480,"date":"2026-05-23T01:10:43","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T16:10:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tenbizt.com\/en\/news\/uncategorized\/2026\/05\/23\/starbucks-faces-backlash-over-controversial-tank-day-event-in-korea\/"},"modified":"2026-05-23T01:10:43","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T16:10:43","slug":"starbucks-faces-backlash-over-controversial-tank-day-event-in-korea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tenbizt.com\/en\/news\/social\/2026\/05\/23\/starbucks-faces-backlash-over-controversial-tank-day-event-in-korea\/","title":{"rendered":"Starbucks Faces Backlash Over Controversial ‘Tank Day’ Event in Korea"},"content":{"rendered":"

Translation result.<\/p>\n

By Kim Dawoon, iNews24 \u2014 Starbucks, which drew criticism after holding a “Tank Day” event commemorating the May 18 pro-democracy movement, has posted a second apology notice in its stores. The company asked the public to refrain from criticizing store partners (employees), who have recently faced backlash.<\/p>\n

\n An apology notice posted in a Starbucks store in Seoul on May 22, 2026. [Photo=Yonhap News]
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In an apology posted to stores nationwide on the afternoon of May 22, Starbucks said, “We bow our heads once again and offer our deepest apologies for the grave hurt we caused to the spirits of the May 18 Democratic Movement, the bereaved families, and the public.”<\/p>\n

The company said the incident resulted entirely from an error in its headquarters’ online operations and is unrelated to store partners (employees). “We earnestly ask that you refrain from directing criticism at partners who give their best every day,” the statement said.<\/p>\n

Starbucks also asked customers to show consideration so partners can work with peace of mind.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the company announced on its internal network on May 20 that it would postpone the “Summer Promotion” and “Summer e-\ud504\ub9ac\ud000\uc2dc” programs that had been scheduled to begin next week as it prepares for the summer season.<\/p>\n

In the notice, Starbucks said, “With a heavy sense of responsibility and a spirit of self-reflection, we are postponing and canceling events.”<\/p>\n

Starbucks also said it would not operate its booth at the 18th Seoul Jazz Festival, scheduled for May 22\u201324.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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