Starbucks Korea to close stores for staff training after Gwangju anniversary backlash

SEOUL, South Korea — Starbucks Korea will temporarily close all of its more than 2,000 stores on June 22 to provide mandatory history training for employees, following a promotional campaign that coincided with the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju massacre and triggered public anger. The company said the closures will begin at 3 p.m. local time, during which staff will take part in sessions on modern Korean history and social awareness. The decision follows a backlash over a promotion dubbed "Tank Man Day," named after the iconic Tiananmen Square image, which coincided with the May 18 anniversary of the Gwangju killings. According to the Guardian, the controversy cost the company an estimated $1.4 million, as several state institutions cut ties with Starbucks Korea and consumers mounted boycotts. The company has launched an internal investigation and removed some senior officials from their posts. Starbucks Korea issued a public apology and said new internal procedures have been introduced to prevent similar mistakes. Training sessions will include short lessons and awareness programs, the company added.