ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo updated fans on January 10, 2023, with photos from a Sketchers event in Malaysia. He initially uploaded a carousel post of 4 photos, including the below.
| @eunwo.o_c/Instagram
The photo included a Starbucks cup on the table. This led to some backlash from fans, given the sensitive issue of showing support or consuming Starbucks due to the Middle-East conflict.
Not Cha Eunwoo w/ the Starbucks cup pic.twitter.com/YdcpB13Quo
— (@TokkiBlinkBkjck) January 10, 2024
EUNWOO please do not buying and consume drink from STARBUCKS again, they fund the genocide in Gaza. Please apologize and educate yourself#차은우 #CHAEUNWOO @offclASTRO @CHAEUNWOO_offcl pic.twitter.com/QNmdaK9oci
— faa •kinda iaa (@zyassnh) January 10, 2024
Internationally, the brand is facing a boycott as the brand sued a union of workers for using their logos on a pledge to support Palestine in the conflict. The brand distanced itself from the conflict, stating that they would not be taking either side. However, as the union of workers used the brands’ logo and name to declare a political stance, Starbucks immediately took action against the workers. This became a problem as people feel it was not only wrong for Starbucks to sue its employees over a social media post but that the company, which has historically attempted to appear liberal and diverse compared to other companies, has taken a controversial stance rather than showing support and solidarity for the oppressed.
He soon deleted the photo, leaving the other three photos up instead. In the remaining photos, no trace of the coffee brand can be seen.
Fans praised him for the quick response.
Do you really think that fan requests don’t matter? We asked him to remove the first photo, which showed Starbucks coffee, and he removed it. Nunu, thank you, i love you #CHAEUNWOO pic.twitter.com/t74BbR5FYt
— rockyminhyukisthebestofthebest (@eunwoo_loveyou) January 10, 2024
On the other hand, fans are cracking down on idols who have been showing support for the brand, or consuming it. In some cases, the drink may not have been directly purchased by the idol themselves. Despite this, standards remain strict and K-Pop idols have been criticized for not being aware of the global situation.
Read more about the matter below.
K-Pop Fans Upset As Idols “Promote” Starbucks Amidst Boycott For Palestine… But Should They Be?
