Starbucks Halts Summer Marketing After 'Tank Day' Backlash

\r
[Financial News] Starbucks Korea has temporarily postponed major summer marketing plans in the wake of the controversy over "Tank Day." The move follows criticism over the use of phrases such as "Tank Day" and "Bang on the desk!" in a tumbler promotion held on the 18th, the anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising.
According to industry sources on the 20th, Starbucks said in an internal notice that it would postpone the "Summer Promotion" and "Summer e-Frequency" events scheduled for next week. In the notice, the company explained that it was "postponing and canceling the events with a heavy sense of responsibility and in a spirit of self-reflection."
Starbucks has held its annual Summer Promotion every year, focusing on iced drinks, food and merchandise. e-Frequency is one of the company's signature events, offering limited-edition gifts to customers who purchase handcrafted beverages. It is held twice a year, in summer and winter.
The company also canceled its on-site booth operation at the 18th Seoul Jazz Festival, which was scheduled for May 22-24. The controversial tank tumbler was removed from stores on the day of the event.
clean@fnnews.com Lee Jeong-hwa Reporter