Starbucks Korea announced on January 30 a voluntary recall of more than 390,000 humidifiers distributed as promotional giveaways late last year, following a report of a fire linked to battery overheating. The company urged customers to stop using the products immediately and offered a 30,000-won Starbucks mobile card for returns.
Starbucks Korea announced on January 30 via press release a voluntary recall of 393,548 humidifiers distributed through its winter e-Frequency promotion from October 30 to December 31 last year. The decision follows a reported fire incident attributed to battery overheating. The company stated, 'We apologize for any inconvenience caused to customers and will carry out the recall procedures promptly and thoroughly, with customer safety as our top priority.' Customers are urged to cease using the products immediately, with a parcel pickup service available via the mobile app starting Monday. Returns will be rewarded with a 30,000-won ($20) Starbucks mobile card. As of October 2025, Starbucks Korea operates 2,076 outlets in the country. Ownership is held 67.5% by Shinsegae Group's E-Mart Inc. and 32.5% by the Government of Singapore Investment Corp (GIC). This recall underscores the need for rigorous safety checks in promotional items.
