Starbucks Korea CEO Dismissed Over 'Tank Day' Promotion Incident

AI Summary

Starbucks Korea has dismissed its CEO, Sohn Jeong-hyun, following a controversial promotion called 'Tank Day' that coincided with the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising crackdown. The campaign, which featured promotional drink tumblers, sparked significant backlash, including calls for a boycott, and was rolled back just hours after its launch. The parent company, Shinsegae, issued an apology for the 'inappropriate marketing' and stated they would review internal processes to avoid future incidents. This event highlights the potential impact of social and political sensitivities on brand reputation and consumer behavior in the region.