May 18
Coverage of May 18 in the Nexus archive.
- Starbucks Korea to close stores early for mandatory history training after marketing row
Starbucks Korea will close all stores early on June 22 for mandatory history and social sensitivity training following backlash over a marketing campaign perceived as mocking victims of the 1980 Gwangju pro-democracy uprising. Shinsegae Group, which owns a majority stake in Starbucks Korea, canceled the controversial 'Tank Day' promotion and fired the CEO after the campaign used a slogan linked to a 1987 police cover-up of a student activist's torture death.
- Starbucks marketing blunder complicates South Korea’s elections
Starbucks Korea's May 18 promotion, which coincided with the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising, sparked controversy by branding a tumbler as a 'tank.' Shinsegae Group chairman Chung Yong-jin issued two public apologies in two weeks, complicating South Korea's political landscape ahead of elections.
- 3 months, 21 dead gray whales: Why so many carcasses are washing up on Pacific shores
Over the past three months, 21 dead gray whales have washed up on Pacific shores, raising concerns about the cause of their deaths. The carcasses have been found along the West Coast, including in Oak Harbor, Washington.
- BuzzFeed blows past a key debt deadline, raising the specter of bankruptcy
BuzzFeed has missed a key debt deadline and faces potential bankruptcy after being granted an extension until May 18 on a $5 million debt payment. The company issued a going-concern warning earlier this year. This raises concerns about its financial stability.