(EDITORIAL from The Korea Times on June 24) (opens original article in a new tab)

Starbucks Korea closed 2000 stores for training after a controversial campaign, facing criticism for lack of transparency and addressing leadership failures

• Starbucks Korea closed 2000 stores for employee training after a controversial campaign using sensitive phrases
• The company faced backlash for a campaign perceived as mocking historical events and a student activist's death
• Training sessions were criticized for lacking transparency and not addressing leadership failures
• The editorial questions whether the response addresses root causes or just consequences
• The company's internal investigation found no deliberate intent but acknowledged structural weaknesses