Starbucks Korea will refund 100 percent [1] of prepaid-card balances without usage conditions for a two-week period starting this month.

The decision comes as the company attempts to mitigate severe public backlash following a marketing campaign dubbed "5·18 Tank Day." This move represents a significant shift in policy to appease consumers after the brand issued a nationwide apology.

Customers may request these refunds through the Starbucks mobile app until June 14 [2]. Once an application is submitted, the funds are deposited within seven business days [3]. The company has set a maximum refundable amount of 2,000,000 KRW [4] per card.

According to reports, the total balance of prepaid cards currently in circulation is approximately 400 billion KRW [5]. The decision to waive standard usage requirements for refunds is a direct response to the worsening public opinion surrounding the brand's recent promotional activities.

"Starbucks, which caused controversy with the so-called '5·18 Tank Day' marketing, has decided to refund the full balance of prepaid cards without conditions," said an anchor for YTN [1].

The company is facing intense scrutiny over the nature of the campaign, which critics argue was insensitive. Reporter Oh Dong-gun of YTN said the refund criteria were relaxed for two weeks because customer complaints had grown so large [1].

By allowing users to withdraw their funds without spending a portion of the balance first, Starbucks Korea is attempting to prevent a wider boycott of its stores. The company has not yet detailed further steps to address the specific grievances regarding the marketing content.

“Starbucks Korea will refund 100 percent of prepaid-card balances without usage conditions.”

This unconditional refund policy is a rare financial concession for a major coffee chain and suggests the '5·18 Tank Day' controversy has created a significant reputational risk. By facilitating the exit of capital—potentially totaling billions of won—Starbucks Korea is prioritizing immediate damage control over liquidity to prevent a long-term consumer boycott in a highly competitive market.