Starbucks’ Korean sales fall after backlash to ‘Tank Day’ ad campaign

Coffee chain has seen 'very significant' drop in sales after campaign that evoked crackdown, local operator says.

Starbucks Korea’s ‘Tank Day’ blunder sparks personal apology from Shinsegae boss

Shinsegae Group chairman Chung Yong-jin on Tuesday apologised to the public in person, eight days after Starbucks Korea, run by the conglomerate, sparked controversy with its “Tank Day” marketing event, which critics say inappropriately referenced South Korea’s pro-democracy movement of the 1980s. “Regardless of the reason, the fact that we have hurt the hearts of our citizens carries a heavy responsibility,” Chung said during a press conference. “I will make no excuses. All responsibility fo...

By The Korea Times

Starbucks in South Korea sees 'very significant drop in sales' amid controversy

Retail tycoon Chung Yong-jin, chairman of the Shinsegae Group which owns Starbucks Korea, issued a second apology in two weeks on Tuesday as the public outcry over the coffee chain's "Tank Day" marketing campaign fails to subside. The group is seeing a drop in sales over the campaign that appeared to reference a deadly crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in 1980. Also in this edition: Ferrari unveils its first fully electric supercar, "Luce".

By Charles PELLEGRIN

South Korean Starbucks boss apologizes for ad campaign that evoked massacre

South Korean Starbucks boss apologises for ad campaign that evoked massacre

The coffee chain sparked public outrage when it attempted to promote a large size of tumbler it calls a “tank” by declaring May 18 to be “Tank Day.”

Starbucks Korea executives apologise as ‘Tank Day’ campaign boycott hits revenue - The Straits Times

Starbucks Korea executives apologise as ‘Tank Day’ campaign boycott hits revenue  The Straits Times

Starbucks Korea offers full refunds for prepaid cards amid boycott backlash

Starbucks Korea on Tuesday said it will temporarily allow those with Starbucks’ prepaid cards to get full refunds regardless of the amount in the wake of its controversial “Tank Day” marketing campaign last week. According to Starbucks Korea, the refund period will run from June 1-14. Typically, the company would only allow refunds after customers spent more than 60 percent of the total prepaid amount. “With hefty responsibility and spirit of self-reflection, we decided to loosen the regulations

By The Korea Herald

(LEAD) Shinsegae chief apologizes for controversial Starbucks promotional campaign - Yonhap News Agency

(LEAD) Shinsegae chief apologizes for controversial Starbucks promotional campaign  Yonhap News Agency