Starbucks Korea will temporarily close more than 2,000 stores nationwide later this month to conduct mandatory history and social sensitivity training for employees following widespread criticism over a marketing campaign that evoked memories of major events in South Korea's democratic movement.The company said stores will close at 3 pm on June 22 so employees can participate in recorded lectures on modern Korean history and undergo training focused on social awareness. According to market data, the half-day shutdown is expected to result in approximately 2.1 billion won in lost sales.The move follows a controversy surrounding a promotional campaign launched on May 18 for Starbucks Korea's "Tank" tumbler series.Promotion triggers public outrageThe campaign drew criticism because it coincided with the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju massacre, a pivotal event in South Korea's pro-democracy movement.Starbucks promoted the date as "Tank Day" and used the slogan "thwack on the desk", which critics said referenced the explanation once given by authorities following the 1987 torture death of student activist Park Jong-chul.The promotion was withdrawn within hours of its launch. However, public anger had already spread, leading to boycotts, protests outside stores and videos showing customers destroying Starbucks products on social media.The controversy also prompted some government ministries and agencies to suspend ties with the company.Leadership faces scrutinyThe backlash led to the dismissal of Starbucks Korea chief executive Son Jeong-hyun on the day the campaign was withdrawn.Before his departure, Son apologised for the incident and pledged greater emphasis on historical awareness and ethics within the company.Shinsegae Group chairman Chung Yong-jin, whose company operates Starbucks Korea under licence from the US-based coffee chain, also issued multiple apologies. On May 26, he appeared at a televised press conference where he bowed repeatedly and acknowledged the public anger caused by the campaign.Chung and Son have since been booked as criminal suspects by police following complaints related to the controversy.Training programme announcedShinsegae said the nationwide shutdown is intended to demonstrate the seriousness with which the company views the incident and to help prevent similar controversies in the future.The training programme will cover major events in contemporary Korean history and examine how businesses should consider historical and social sensitivities when developing marketing campaigns.Chung is also scheduled to attend the same programme alongside other company executives on June 24.A company spokesperson said only a small number of airport outlets will remain open during the training period.Sales show partial recoveryThe controversy had a significant impact on Starbucks Korea's business performance.Market data showed payment volumes fell 26 per cent in the week following the campaign. Spending recovered by 12.8 per cent during the first week of June, although transaction levels remained roughly 25 per cent below those recorded before the controversy.Customers also demanded refunds linked to prepaid Starbucks cards, while the incident generated broader public debate about corporate responsibility and historical awareness.Political and social debate intensifiesThe controversy expanded beyond the corporate sphere and entered the political arena.Government agencies halted purchases of Starbucks gift cards, while South Korea's defence ministry suspended a partnership with the company. Political leaders also criticised the campaign, and the issue eventually drew comments from President Lee Jae Myung.The debate has unfolded against a backdrop of renewed public discussion about authoritarianism and state violence in South Korea, particularly following political developments in recent years.Shinsegae's internal investigation found no evidence that the campaign was intentionally designed to reference historical tragedies. The company urged customers not to direct their anger at frontline employees.Starbucks Corporation, which licenses the brand in South Korea but does not hold an ownership stake in the local operation, also apologised, describing the campaign as unacceptable and stating that it was reviewing internal standards and training procedures to prevent a recurrence.Observers said the scale of the backlash reflected broader public expectations that companies should demonstrate sensitivity towards historical events and social issues when developing marketing campaigns.