Starbucks Korea to close all stores early to carry out history training after 'Tank Day' promotion backlash (opens original article in a new tab)

Starbucks Korea will close all stores early for training after a controversial promotion linked to historical events in South Korea sparked public backlash.

• Starbucks Korea will close all 2,160 stores early on Monday for employee training on historical awareness and social sensitivity
• The closure follows backlash against a 'Tank Day' promotion linked to the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy uprising
• The promotion used the word 'tank' and 'Tak' which evoked painful historical memories of military suppression and a student activist's death
• Starbucks Korea's training program includes a brand value workshop and participation from senior executives