Starbucks Korea offers full refunds for prepaid cards amid boycott backlash


An empty Starbucks store in Seoul, South Korea, May 26, 2026. - Reuters

SEOUL: Starbucks Korea on May 26 said it will temporarily allow those with Starbucks’ prepaid cards to get full refunds regardless of the amount in the wake of its controversial “Tank Day” marketing campaign last week.

According to Starbucks Korea, the refund period will run from June 1 to 14. Typically, the company would only allow refunds after customers spent more than 60 per cent of the total prepaid amount.

“With hefty responsibility and spirit of self-reflection, we decided to loosen the regulations to minimise inconveniences for the customers who have recently asked for a refund,” said a Starbucks official.

The refund can be requested via the Starbucks mobile application. The transaction will be made within seven business days after the refund request.

The upper limit for a refund is two million won (US$1,333), which is the maximum amount one can preload on a Starbucks card.

According to Starbucks Korea’s audit report, its prepaid funds stood at 427.6 billion won at the end of 2025, up 8.22 per cent from the previous year.

In 2025, Starbucks Korea logged record-setting 3.24 trillion won in sales and 173 billion won in operating profit. - The Korea Herald/ANN

 

 

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Aseanplus News

China's Hunan cracks down on illegal fireworks makers after deadly blast
Love birds: twice-extinct parakeet gets lifeline from amorous pair in New Zealand
Comment: Is Japan losing its compassion as anti-foreigner sentiments grow?
Aidiladha sacrifice goes beyond wealth, says Anwar
One year on, pressure builds on Indonesian govt to enforce free education ruling
Jewel Changi Airport blooms with 800,000 Lego bricks
Azam Baki preparing to sue Albert Tei over intimidation claims
Vietnam gains edge over Thailand as exporter and global production hub
Myanmar demolishes more illegal buildings linked to online scam operations
Armed Forces expresses appreciation for Johor Regent's unwavering support

Others Also Read