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Why Starbucks is banning orders under certain names in South Korea

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Seoul, South Korea

May 26, 2025 1 Neutral General

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Seoul, South Korea: Starbucks Korea introduced a policy banning certain names on customer orders after political activists and pranksters used order names like “Impeach [Official]” or insulting phrases. The cafe chain says it’s about maintaining a neutral, comfortable environment, instructing baristas to reject or ask for alternative names if they’re deemed inappropriate or disruptive. Some call it censorship, while others empathize with employees forced to shout out explicit or politicized names. South Korea’s vibrant protest culture occasionally leverages everyday settings for political messaging, and Starbucks aims to avoid fueling on-site conflicts.

What this means for you:

•	Within 2 weeks, note that major chains may adopt similar rules—prepare to give a simple, respectful name when placing orders.
•	If visiting South Korea, keep in mind cultural norms around public politeness. Offensive or divisive slogans can lead to refusal of service.
•	�� In 1–2 months, watch if other brands follow suit, tightening policies against potentially provocative user-generated content.
•	Meanwhile, consider how your own social or political statements might affect service workers—who have to handle any fallout.

Key Entities

• Starbucks Korea – Implementing the new policy to block disruptive or explicit order names.
• South Korean customers – Known for creative or playful name requests, sometimes used for activism.
• Political activists – Seizing everyday platforms to spread messages, now facing brand pushback.
• Starbucks employees – Caught in the middle, forced to call out names that may offend or cause conflict.

Bias Distribution

Left: 100% (1 source)

Center: 0% (0 sources)

Right: 0% (0 sources)

Multi-Perspective Analysis

Left-Leaning View

Sees corporate policy possibly stifling free expression, though acknowledges staff well-being.

Centrist View

Might simply note brand guidelines and local reactions, weighing pros and cons neutrally.

Right-Leaning View

(No major coverage).

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