[On-site] “There Are No Real People”…Starbucks Boycott Movement Spreads in Gwangju Area

A palpable sense of discontent is brewing in Gwangju, South Korea, as a boycott against the global coffee giant Starbucks gains momentum. The controversy erupted following an event held by Starbucks Korea that has been widely interpreted as a mockery of the historic May 18th Gwangju Democratization Movement, a pivotal moment in South Korea's struggle for democracy.

While Starbucks Korea has issued an apology, it appears to have fallen short of satisfying the Gwangju community. Civic groups, including the May 18th Bereaved Families Association and the May 18th Democratization Movement Foundation, have escalated their demands, calling for a sincere apology from Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin himself. They are also urging the withdrawal of all business plans currently underway in Gwangju, including the development of 'Grand Starfield Gwangju' and the expansion of the Gwangju Shinsegae Department Store.

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I can’t understand how a major corporation couldn’t check every single word, especially when it comes to historical insensitivity like ‘tank’ and ‘thud’ (a pun on the sound of a tank hitting a desk). It’s disappointing, and I can clearly see that actual consumption is decreasing at Starbucks stores around me.

The impact of this controversy is visibly affecting Starbucks' presence in the city. Reports from Gwangju indicate a significant drop in customer traffic at various Starbucks outlets. One Starbucks store near the Gwangju City Hall, usually bustling during lunchtime, was observed to have only a handful of customers. This sentiment is echoed by local employees and residents who express discomfort with patronizing a brand that has caused such offense.

Local authorities have also taken a stance, with the Gwangju City Council announcing a ban on the use of Starbucks gift certificates in city-sponsored events. This move further signals the widespread disapproval of Starbucks' actions within the region. The situation highlights a growing awareness among consumers about corporate social responsibility and the potential repercussions when brands are perceived to disrespect deeply significant historical events and local sentiments. The boycott in Gwangju serves as a stark reminder that for many, coffee is more than just a beverage; it's intertwined with respect for history and community values.

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When a business continuously displays strong political colors and engages in marketing that can deeply hurt someone, who would comfortably go to drink coffee? Many people around me feel uncomfortable, so I don't plan on going for a while.