Starbucks Korea Suspends Promotional Event After Public Criticism
Starbucks Korea halted a Monday online promotion for a tumbler set after civic groups and online users objected to language they said recalled South Korea's 1980 Gwangju uprising. The company issued an apology and said it had identified an inappropriate phrase.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewStarbucks Korea suspended an online promotional event Monday after receiving criticism over wording that some groups said referenced South Korea's 1980 Gwangju uprising. '" Civic groups and online users said the word "tank" evoked military vehicles used by troops during the May 18, 1980, Gwangju uprising.
They also said the sound "tak" recalled a disputed 1987 police explanation for the death of student activist Park Jong-chol.
Hours after the promotion began, Starbucks Korea suspended the event and issued a statement. "We identified an inappropriate phrase used in the promotional event," the company said. " A civic group supporting victims and bereaved families of the Gwangju uprising accused Starbucks Korea of damaging the spirit of the democracy movement.
The group called for a proper explanation and apology. The promotion was scheduled to mark the anniversary of the 1980 pro-democracy movement.
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Starbucks Korea may review future promotional language for historical references.
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