Gwangju

South Korean police raided the headquarters of Starbucks' local operation over a marketing campaign that was perceived as defaming 1980s pro-democracy movements. The controversial campaign used 'Tank Day,' marking an anniversary of a brutal uprising in Gwangju, and utilized slogans referencing past political cover-ups. Amid public outrage, Shinsegae Group forced Starbucks Korea to cancel the campaign and fire its chief executive.

South Korean police raided Starbucks' headquarters in Seoul following an investigation into a marketing campaign perceived as defaming 1980s pro-democracy movements. The controversy centered on promoting "SS Tank" by declaring May 18, the anniversary of the Gwangju uprising. Public outrage forced Shinsegae Group to cancel the campaign and fire the chief executive of Starbucks Korea.

South Korean police raided Starbucks’ local headquarters investigating a controversial marketing campaign that was perceived as defaming 1980s pro-democracy movements. The controversy stemmed from the promotion of “SS Tank” tumblers, linking May 18 to the brutal Gwangju uprising and using a slogan referencing Park Jong-chol's death. Following intense public outrage, Shinsegae Group canceled the campaign, fired the chief executive, and Starbucks Korea closed nationwide for mandatory training.

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix will invest $518 billion in a new chipmaking hub in South Korea's southwest region to meet rising AI demand. The project aligns with government efforts to expand semiconductor manufacturing beyond the Seoul area and boost regional economic development.

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix will invest $518 billion to build a chipmaking hub in South Korea's southwest region, driven by rising AI demand. The project, supported by President Lee Jae Myung, aims to expand semiconductor production beyond the Seoul area, with fabrication plants in Gwangju and plans for a nationwide semiconductor ecosystem.

Samsung Group and SK Group plan to invest up to 2,000 trillion won ($1.3 trillion) over 10 years in sectors like semiconductors, AI data centers, and physical AI as part of South Korea’s 'Three Mega Projects for the Great Leap Forward' initiative. Investments include building semiconductor fabrication plants in Gwangju and expanding chip production facilities in Chungcheong provinces.

Starbucks stores in South Korea will close for half a day for staff training after a promotional campaign linked to a historical military crackdown on a 1980 pro-democracy uprising sparked public backlash. The 'Tank Day' promotion coincided with the 46th anniversary of the Gwangju uprising, leading to criticism.

A South Korean Starbucks branch sparked outrage with its 'Tank Day' campaign referencing a historic massacre, leading to a protest in Gwangju on May 21, 2026, where an activist destroyed Starbucks cups and mugs.

Starbucks Korea's CEO was fired due to a marketing campaign called 'Tank Day' that provoked backlash for evoking the military crackdown on the 1980 Gwangju uprising. The campaign was deemed insensitive and sparked outrage. The incident led to the CEO's termination.

The CEO of Starbucks Korea has resigned after the company's 'Tank Day' promotional event sparked outrage for evoking a massacre of pro-democracy protesters during South Korea's dictatorship era. The event coincided with a sensitive day in South Korea's calendar, commemorating the 1980 democratisation movement. The campaign was seen as 'malicious mockery' of the deadly crackdown.