Starbucks Korea Closes Stores for History Training After Promotion Backlash

Key facts

• Starbucks Korea is closing all 2,160 stores.
• The closures are for mandatory employee training.
• The training focuses on historical awareness and social sensitivity.
• The decision follows backlash over a "Tank Day" promotion.
• The promotion coincided with the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy uprising.
• The stores will close early on Monday for the training.

Starbucks Korea is implementing a mandatory training session for all its employees, leading to the closure of all 2,160 stores early on Monday. The training is designed to enhance historical awareness and social sensitivity among staff. This initiative comes in response to significant backlash received over a recent "Tank Day" promotion. The promotion's timing was particularly controversial as it coincided with the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy uprising. The public outcry following this promotion has directly led to Starbucks Korea's decision to conduct this company-wide training. The aim is to prevent similar insensitivities and ensure a better understanding of historical events and their significance among employees.