2PM‘s Ok Taecyeon has deleted a vlog.
2PM’s Ok Taecyeon
The Israel-Palestine crisis garnered more media coverage after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7. The world is finally becoming aware of the conflict that is taking place in the Gaza Strip, voicing their outcry about the human rights issue. Thousands of civilians have been killed as bombings and other fighting occur in the region, and many survivors have lost families, friends, homes, and more. Latest reports estimate that over 20,000 Palestinians have been killed in the region, and over 2 million in Gaza are suffering from severe hunger.
In October, the worker-led union of popular American coffee chain Starbucks, which represents 9,000 employees, shared a post via X (formerly Twitter). The union stated that they stand in solidarity with Palestine.
As of June 2023, over 8,000 workers at over 360 Starbucks stores in at least 40 states in the United States have voted to unionize, primarily with Workers United. As of March 2023 none have yet enacted a collective bargaining agreement.
— Wikipedia
Shortly after, Starbucks released multiple statements denouncing the union. Starbucks claimed it did not want to be associated with the union’s stance.
Starbucks wanted to stop the union from using its name and logo, saying the company had no official stance on the war and the union’s post might confuse customers. But many boycotters, like Blake, thought Starbucks should offer more support to the people of Gaza.
— AP News
| Starbucks | Starbucks
Additionally, Starbucks sued its employees on October 18 for trademark infringement. The company stated that the social media post in question angered customers, potentially damaging the company’s reputation.
| Starbucks | Starbucks
Consequently, Starbucks was added to a list of companies to boycott. Customers thought it was not only unethical of Starbucks to sue its employees but that the company had chosen a controversial stance rather than act in solidarity with the oppressed. Starbucks has lost at least $12 billion USD in market value, even facing store closure and bankruptcy in many countries due to the boycott.
Many people do not understand but Boycott has caused Starbucks alone to lose $12 Billion and many of the Starbucks are being closed due to that.
Boycott works
Watch the video pic.twitter.com/UZk71GdPx1
— The Night Report (@The_NightReport) December 25, 2023
So, when Taecyeon uploaded a vlog with fellow 2PM member Jun. K, Hottest (2PM’s fandom) noticed that Taecyeon was drinking out of a Starbucks cup. They posted via X (formerly Twitter), tagging the artists and respective companies. Fans expressed their concerns.
Hello JYPE, 51K, LJuly
We do NOT want 2PM or any of your artists to associate/promote STARBUCKS or McDonald’s.
The companies are financing a genocide in Palestine.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF OUR CONCERNS@follow_2PM @ljuly_ent @ljuly1004 @2023LONELYOKCAT @2PMagreement211 @taeccool pic.twitter.com/O6kC98Smck
— r a a (@protaector_) December 26, 2023
Dear @taeccool, would you mind removing the video and perhaps considering avoiding purchasing coffee from Starbucks? They’re funding intentionally contributes to genocides. Thank you for your understanding. https://t.co/dZrTO0GSmK pic.twitter.com/nPBAHgGwwj
— Potato Studio (@potatostudi0) December 26, 2023
Now, Taecyeon has deleted the vlog. His YouTube channel still has many vlogs uploaded, but the one in question is no longer available.
Many fans are happy that Taecyeon took action to delete the vlog. They believe he has seen their posts.
Ok guys, Taecyeon has deleted his vlog where he bought from Starbucks, I hope u will leave him alone now !#Taecyeon #Oktaecyeon #2PM pic.twitter.com/uDe05RS2qj
— cool_taec #Taecyeon (@cool_taec) January 4, 2024
— UPDATE
Taecyeon has deleted his YouTube vlog where there was a part of him drinking Sbux.
Now I will fight everyone who says he supports genocide https://t.co/7tOKqdwjkL pic.twitter.com/ZFEEqaqT7r
— r a a (@protaector_) January 4, 2024
Starbucks Korea is technically independent, but netizens still have concerns. Read more below.
K-Pop Fans Upset As Idols “Promote” Starbucks Amidst Boycott For Palestine… But Should They Be?
