"I Forgot!" Last Day for Starbucks' "No-Questions-Asked Full Refund" Benefit

Controversy Over Marketing Phrases Used in May 18 Promotion
Son Jeonghyeon Dismissed, Shin Dongwoo Appointed as New CEO

The "no-questions-asked full refund" benefit at Starbucks Korea ends today (June 14).

Starbucks employee preparing a beverage. Photo by Yonhap News.

From June 1 until today, Starbucks Korea has been offering full refunds for Starbucks Card prepaid balances, regardless of usage history. Previously, customers could only receive a refund if they had used at least 60% of their most recent recharge. For a limited time, however, customers were allowed to get a refund of their balance without this condition.

Previously, Starbucks came under fire for using promotional phrases such as "Tank Day" and "Bang the Desk!" during a discount event held on May 18, the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. Online users raised concerns that these phrases appeared to belittle the May 18 Democratization Movement and the death of student activist Park Jongcheol under torture.

In response, Starbucks dismissed Sohn Jung-hyun, CEO of Starbucks Korea, and Jeong Yong-jin, Chairman of Shinsegae Group, read an official apology in public and bowed his head. As part of efforts to regain customer trust, the company implemented this temporary full refund policy.

Starting tomorrow (June 15), the previous terms and conditions will be reinstated. To receive a refund for the Starbucks Card balance, customers must use at least 60% of their most recent recharge amount.

As the refund deadline approaches, information sharing about the policy is increasing on online communities and social media (SNS). Some users commented, "I didn't know about this, but I just applied for a refund," and "I checked my balance and there was more left than I expected."

For cards registered in the Starbucks app, customers can apply for a refund through the app by navigating to 'PAY → Manage My Cards → Refund Balance.' Refunds are deposited into the designated bank account within seven business days of the application. The maximum refund limit via bank transfer is KRW 2 million per person.

For unregistered, non-personalized physical cards, customers must visit a store to receive a refund. However, refunds may not be available at drive-thru locations and certain stores.

Meanwhile, Shinsegae Group recently appointed Shin Dongwoo, Head of Support and Finance at Shinsegae Property, as the new CEO of SCK Company (Starbucks Korea). Shin is known for his experience at the core of the group, having worked at Emart and the Strategic Planning Office, and is expected to focus on strengthening Starbucks Korea's operational structure and internal controls.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.