Starbucks Korea to Resume Independence Activist Scholarship Program After 'Tank Day' Controversy

Starbucks Korea is set to resume its scholarship program for the descendants of independence activists, a program that had been temporarily suspended following controversy surrounding remarks related to 'Tank Day.' The company is currently in discussions with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs regarding the program's relaunch in the latter half of this year.

The suspension, which lasted approximately three months, followed public backlash in May when Starbucks used phrases like '5/18,' 'Tank Day,' and 'Tap on the desk!' in its marketing materials. These phrases were perceived as insensitive and disrespectful, particularly in relation to the Gwangju Uprising. The decision to resume the program appears to be influenced by public opinion supporting the continuation of aid to the descendants and a perceived calming of the controversy.

Starbucks has been running the scholarship program since 2023 in partnership with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. Through its 'Community Store' at Independence Gate Station, Starbucks has annually provided 100 million won (approximately $75,000 USD) to support 50 students, with each recipient receiving 2 million won.

In addition to the scholarship program, Starbucks is gradually restarting other social contribution initiatives. This includes resuming its senior barista training program in collaboration with the Korea Senior Citizens Club Association, aiming to train about 500 individuals by the end of the year. A second training center is also planned to accommodate over 1,000 trainees annually. The company is also continuing its shared growth beverage project, recently distributing recipes and ingredients for a Shine Muscat Ade to 150 small cafes nationwide.

Starbucks Korea emphasized its commitment to continuing and expanding the scholarship program, which it has supported for 11 years. Since 2015, the company has provided scholarships totaling 1 billion won to 483 students, descendants of independence activists.

“

We will closely cooperate with related organizations to ensure that the scholarship program for the descendants of independence activists, which we have supported for 11 years, continues and expands in the future.