Starbucks Korea, a prominent coffee chain, and its parent company, Shinsegae Group, are implementing comprehensive historical awareness and social sensitivity training for Chairman Chung Yong-jin, executives, and employees. This critical initiative follows widespread criticism over a controversial “Tank Day” promotion inadvertently linked to the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy uprising, a highly sensitive historical event in South Korea.
Operated by E-Mart Inc., a key Shinsegae affiliate, Starbucks Korea initiated the online “Tank Day” promotion on May 18th. This date, unfortunately, coincided with the solemn anniversary of the Gwangju democratic uprising, sparking immediate and intense public backlash. The promotion was swiftly suspended within hours due to the widespread public criticism.
According to the company, Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin and chief executives from various Shinsegae affiliates are slated to participate in the initial training sessions. These crucial sessions are scheduled to precede an important meeting of affiliate heads on June 24, underscoring the group’s commitment to addressing the issue.
Further extending the program, executives from all E-Mart-affiliated companies and employees based at Starbucks Korea’s headquarters will undergo their specialized training session this Wednesday.
In a significant step, Starbucks Korea’s “partners” – a term for its dedicated store employees – across the nation will receive the vital training next Monday. To facilitate this extensive training and ensure widespread participation, all Starbucks stores nationwide will implement an early closure at 3 p.m. on that day.
The controversial “Tank Day” event had offered discount “Tank” tumbler sets, unfortunately accompanied by the problematic promotional phrase: “Put it on the table with a sound of ‘Tak!’.” This specific phrasing and its timing were the primary triggers for the widespread public outcry and subsequent decision to implement extensive sensitivity training.
