Gwangju

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.