"Chung Yong-jin Must Make the Decision"... Gwangju Mayor Says Starbucks Should Give History Education to All Employees

\r
[Financial News] Kang Gi-jung, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, argued that Starbucks Korea should suspend operations at all stores nationwide, as it did in the United States, and provide history education to all employees.
On the 29th, Kang posted on social media, "Starbucks Corporation in the United States closed 8,000 stores. What will Starbucks Korea do?" and made the remark.
Kang said, "In 2018, Starbucks Corporation in the United States suspended operations at more than 8,000 stores nationwide for half a day and conducted employee training shortly after a racial discrimination controversy," adding, "It accepted huge sales losses and carried out anti-discrimination education, setting an ethical standard for the company."
He continued, "In 2026, Starbucks Korea has also come under scrutiny for its historical sensitivity and social responsibility," and stressed, "Do not fear sales losses. Losing public trust is the real crisis."
Finally, Kang said, "Chung Yong-jin, executive chairman of Shinsegae, must also make the decision," and demanded, "Immediately prepare a proper history education curriculum and carry out a decisive action plan to close all stores nationwide for the training."
Earlier, Starbucks Coffee Korea Co., Ltd. drew criticism after running an event on the 18th, the anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement, using phrases such as "Tank Day" and "Bang on the desk."
bng@fnnews.com Kim Hee-sun Reporter