In an unexpected move to navigate South Korea's charged political climate, Starbucks is taking preemptive measures by restricting the use of certain names on its app, protecting baristas and customers from potential political stir-ups during the upcoming presidential elections.
Starbucks Steers Clear of Political Aficionados: New Naming Policies in South Korea
Starbucks Steers Clear of Political Aficionados: New Naming Policies in South Korea
Starbucks restricts political candidate names in South Korea to maintain neutral ground amidst election tensions.
Starbucks café-goers in South Korea will no longer hear the names of six presidential candidates when ordering their favorite beverages, as the coffee chain has temporarily disabled the use of these names in the ordering app. The decision, aimed at maintaining political neutrality, comes ahead of the elections scheduled for June 3, following a period of significant division sparked by the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk Yeol.
Starbucks stated that the prohibition was necessary to ensure a pleasant experience for all patrons, explaining that political phrases like "arrest Yoon Suk Yeol" had begun appearing as user nicknames. The company has since decided to rename drinks for any order that might lead to divisive interactions, expressing concern over possible misunderstandings that could arise when baristas call out political names in a bustling atmosphere.
Among the disallowed names are Kim Moon-soo, Lee Jun-seok, Kwon Young-kook, Hwang Kyo-ahn, and Song Jin-ho. Public opinion appears divided, with some asserting that such caution is excessive. A regular customer, Ji Seok-bin, believes the policy is trivial yet understandable given the current climate of heightened political tensions, as discussing politics has become contentious.
Starbucks is not alone in this political restraint; South Korea's leading search engine, Naver, has similarly limited autocomplete suggestions for candidate names, while Google results reflect the contentious atmosphere surrounding the alleged candidates. Celebrities in the country have also adopted a cautious approach to avoid accusations of political bias, frequently opting for neutral tones in their attire and maintaining silence on political topics.
The implications of maintaining a neutral stance during elections highlight a cultural landscape where even minor embellishments—like a color choice or a casual gesture—can spark significant political implications. Dr. Cho Jin-man, an academic expert, emphasizes the need for respectful dialogue amidst differences, yet notes the prevailing trend is for many to opt for silence amidst an increasingly polarized society.
Starbucks stated that the prohibition was necessary to ensure a pleasant experience for all patrons, explaining that political phrases like "arrest Yoon Suk Yeol" had begun appearing as user nicknames. The company has since decided to rename drinks for any order that might lead to divisive interactions, expressing concern over possible misunderstandings that could arise when baristas call out political names in a bustling atmosphere.
Among the disallowed names are Kim Moon-soo, Lee Jun-seok, Kwon Young-kook, Hwang Kyo-ahn, and Song Jin-ho. Public opinion appears divided, with some asserting that such caution is excessive. A regular customer, Ji Seok-bin, believes the policy is trivial yet understandable given the current climate of heightened political tensions, as discussing politics has become contentious.
Starbucks is not alone in this political restraint; South Korea's leading search engine, Naver, has similarly limited autocomplete suggestions for candidate names, while Google results reflect the contentious atmosphere surrounding the alleged candidates. Celebrities in the country have also adopted a cautious approach to avoid accusations of political bias, frequently opting for neutral tones in their attire and maintaining silence on political topics.
The implications of maintaining a neutral stance during elections highlight a cultural landscape where even minor embellishments—like a color choice or a casual gesture—can spark significant political implications. Dr. Cho Jin-man, an academic expert, emphasizes the need for respectful dialogue amidst differences, yet notes the prevailing trend is for many to opt for silence amidst an increasingly polarized society.
