Starbucks Korea Payments Fall 10 Billion Won in May After Promotion Suspended

Starbucks Korea recorded an estimated 121.2 billion won in card payments during May, down 13.1 billion won or roughly 10 percent from 134.3 billion won in April, according to data from MobileIndex. The drop followed a one-day online promotion for "Tank" tumbler sets that began on the anniversary of the May 18, 1980 pro-democracy events in Gwangju.

The campaign was suspended within hours after public criticism.

'" Critics said the word "tank" recalled military vehicles used during the 1980 events and the word "Tak" recalled the 1987 death of student activist Park Jong-cheol. Weekly payment volume at the chain also declined for two consecutive weeks after the promotion began, the same data showed.

The figures cover only purchases made with local debit and credit cards. They exclude cash, simple payment methods, and purchases through the company's mobile application. The chain is operated by E-Mart, a subsidiary of Shinsegae.