When Brands Forget Their Sensitive Side: The Starbucks Korea Fiasco The recent controversy surrounding Starbucks Korea's "Tank Day" marketing campaign has left many wondering how a global brand could so blithely trample on the country's sensitive history.
On May 18, the anniversary of the Gwangju uprising, the coffee chain launched an ill fated promotion that used the date and phrase to peddle new coffee tumblers.
The backlash was swift and severe, with South Korean President Lee Jae myung weighing in on the issue. "This is not just a matter of taste," he said. "It's about the values we hold dear as a nation.