"Struggling All Day, Please Stop the Criticism" Starbucks Employee Who Responded to Sayuri Appeals

Published 26 Feb.2021 09:12(KST)

An apology statement posted by Sayuri on her Instagram. <br>Photo by Sayuri Instagram capture

An apology statement posted by Sayuri on her Instagram.
Photo by Sayuri Instagram capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Jumi Lee] Broadcaster Sayuri appealed for people to stop criticizing the Starbucks employee who served her after a controversy arose over her being denied entry to a Starbucks while trying to evacuate from a fire.

The Starbucks store employee posted a comment on the 25th in response to Sayuri’s apology posted on her Instagram, saying, "I was very distressed after reading the articles and Instagram comments all day about the original post, and since the apology did not include specific details, there are still people insulting me."

The employee explained, "I waited for the apology as Sayuri said she would post one, but since there was no mention of the facts, I am leaving this comment. She mentioned having a baby, but I did not see the baby’s face or lips, nor did I know she had inhaled smoke. Before payment, I informed her about the QR code, ID, and handwritten logbook. She said she would go somewhere else and left quickly."

Earlier, on the 24th, Sayuri posted on social media that she was unable to enter a Starbucks store she visited with her child to evacuate from a fire in her apartment because she did not have her phone to verify the electronic entry log (QR code). This sparked controversy among netizens, with opinions divided between prioritizing compliance with quarantine guidelines and considering the response harsh.

In response, Starbucks explained, "Since the QR code check was not possible, we guided her to write in the handwritten logbook after verifying her ID. She said she did not have an ID either, so we had no choice but to ask for her understanding."

On the 25th, Sayuri posted an apology on her Instagram regarding the Starbucks entry controversy, saying, "I sincerely apologize to the Starbucks employee who was uncomfortable all day because of the emotional post I wrote yesterday. Today, I went to Starbucks, apologized directly to the employee, and had a conversation with her."