Shinsegae Group, the parent company of Starbucks Korea, announced that executives and employees will undergo historical awareness training following a controversial promotion linked to the 1980 pro-democracy movement.

Starbucks Korea issued an apology for an online promotional event that faced backlash for allegedly evoking painful memories of South Korea's authoritarian past. The promotion coincided with the anniversary of the 1980 pro-democracy movement.

Lee has stated that the spirit of the 1980 pro-democracy movement was rekindled and instrumental in preventing martial law forces from taking hold in 2024.