The Starbucks global corporate headquarters building in Seattle is seen in this May 11 photo. AP-YonhapSEATTLE — Starbucks Global described the recent “Tank Day” controversy at Starbucks Korea as an “unacceptable marketing incident” and said it was implementing stronger internal controls and review standards following the backlash in Korea.In response to questions from The Korea Times about whether the controversy could lead to a more active role for Starbucks Global in reviewing local campaigns in Korea going forward, the Seattle-based company declined to elaborate beyond previously announced measures, including a thorough investigation on the matter.“We don’t have anything more to share beyond what I included below about implementing stronger internal controls, review standards and companywide training,” Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson said, adding that the company may share more as the investigation continues. “We are deeply sorry for an unacceptable marketing incident in Korea that referenced and coincided with May 18, the commemoration of the Gwangju Democratization Movement — a day of profound historical and human significance,” Starbucks Global said in a statement to The Korea Times.The company also apologized directly to “the people of Gwangju, to those impacted by this tragedy, and to our customers and communities.”Starbucks Korea has faced mounting criticism after running a promotion on May 18, the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju Democratization Movement, one of Korea’s most historically and politically sensitive commemorations.The campaign quickly sparked outrage online, with critics accusing the company of insensitivity toward the victims and legacy of the Gwangju uprising. Boycott calls continued to spread online even after Starbucks Korea halted the promotion and removed its chief executive.The controversy has raised broader questions in Korea over how the campaign passed through multiple stages of internal review despite the sensitivity surrounding May 18.