South Korea’s Starbucks to shut stores for staff history lesson after backlash

Seoul- Starbucks outlets in South Korea will close for half a day next week as staff undergo training in historical awareness following public outrage over a promotional campaign linked to the Gwangju Uprising crackdown.

The decision comes after the chain faced heavy criticism for its “Tank Day” reusable cup promotion, which coincided with the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, a pro-democracy movement in which at least 165 civilians were killed by military forces, with some estimates higher.

The controversy led to protests outside stores, a reported drop in sales, and the dismissal of the country’s Starbucks chief executive by Shinsegae Group, which operates the brand locally.

The company said all employees would receive education on social sensitivity and historical context, including watching training videos. Stores nationwide will close at 3 p.m. local time for three hours next Wednesday and will reopen the following day.

The campaign drew accusations that it trivialised a painful moment in South Korea’s democratic history. South Korea’s president also condemned the incident as “inhumane and disgraceful.”

Starbucks Korea said the promotion was part of a broader tumbler campaign and apologised for the disruption caused.

The Gwangju Uprising remains a defining event in South Korea’s modern political history and a symbol of the country’s democratic struggle.