Starbucks Korea will temporarily close thousands of its stores next week to conduct mandatory history awareness sessions for employees after a promotional campaign triggered widespread criticism and public outrage.The controversy erupted last month when Starbucks Korea launched a reusable cup promotion called “Tank Day controversy” on May 18 — the same date that marks the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising, one of South Korea’s most painful and defining historical events.The Gwangju Uprising took place in 1980, when pro-democracy protesters clashed with military forces during a brutal crackdown that officially claimed the lives of 165 civilians. However, many South Koreans believe the actual number of victims was much higher.Key Highlights Starbucks Korea to close stores after Tank Day controversy backlash Starbucks Korea shuts outlets for history training after outrage Tank Day controversy forces Starbucks Korea into nationwide closureThe timing and wording of Starbucks Korea’s campaign quickly drew criticism, with many people viewing the phrase linked to the Tank Day controversy as deeply insensitive because tanks are strongly associated with the violence of the military crackdown in Gwangju.Public anger spread rapidly online, leading to South Korea protests in both Seoul and Gwangju. Many citizens accused the coffee chain of failing to understand the emotional and historical significance of May 18 Gwangju, a day remembered for sacrifice and the country’s struggle for democracy.Shinsegae Group, which operates Starbucks under a licensing agreement, responded quickly to the backlash. The company removed its Korea chief executive on the same day the controversy surfaced and issued a public apology.Starbucks Employees to Undergo Historical Awareness TrainingOn Monday, Shinsegae Group announced that all Starbucks Korea employees would participate in historical awareness training and social sensitivity training to help prevent similar incidents in the future.According to the company, employees will watch educational videos aimed at improving understanding of important national events and public sentiment.To carry out the training, more than 2,000 Starbucks store closure locations across South Korea will shut at 3 p.m. next Monday for several hours. Most outlets will remain closed for the rest of the day, making it the first nationwide Starbucks closure in the country since 1999.Only a handful of airport outlets will continue operating during the temporary shutdown. The company said an internal review uncovered several failures, including approval of promotional materials without carefully reviewing the design or understanding its historical context. Starbucks Korea also admitted there had been no legal review before the campaign launched.The backlash appears to have affected business as well. The operator reported a significant decline in sales during the early days of the controversy, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction.South Korean President Lee Jae Myung also criticized the incident, describing it as “inhumane and disgraceful conduct” in a social media post. As Starbucks’ third-largest market after the United States and China, South Korea news surrounding the controversy has drawn global attention.Also Read: Razorpay Confidentially Files for India IPO Amid Fintech ResetThe incident serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural awareness and public sensitivity for international brands operating in historically conscious societies.