Starbucks Korea announced it will close all outlets early next week for a nationwide training program after a marketing stunt dubbed "Tank Day" sparked outrage for mocking the 1980 Gwangju uprising.

The campaign’s slogan, “Slam it on the desk with a tak,” evoked the tragic death of student activist Park Jong‑chul, leading to a sharp sales dip and a backlash that has cost the chain its standing in South Korea, the country’s third‑largest market.

Executive training will involve academics and a new social‑sensitivity checklist, while senior leaders from Shinsegae’s Emart subsidiary receive a separate briefing. The move signals a shift from apologies to concrete remedial action, aiming to restore consumer trust.

By halting operations, Starbucks Korea highlights the financial risk of cultural missteps and underscores the importance of historical awareness in global branding strategies.