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.
