In light of recent events in the Israel-Palestine region, there has been a significant increase in political engagement within the global K-pop fan community.

This heightened awareness is particularly evident in the empathetic response of people towards the Palestinian cause. In a show of solidarity, these fans are advocating for the boycott of certain international brands, including Starbucks and McDonald's, based on their perceived support for Israel.

The situation has reached a point where these overseas fans are criticizing K-pop idols seen using these brands.

Jeon So Mi had to delete a TikTok video after receiving heavy backlash because she was seen using a Starbucks tumbler. ENHYPEN's Jake apologized to fans after he was seen drinking a Starbucks drink during a Weverse live.

However, Korean fans are now advising international fans to rethink criticizing the K-pop idols who are seen using these brands because the companies in the United States do not entirely own brands such as Starbucks and McDonald's in Korea.

In fact, Starbucks America (Starbucks Coffee Company) has 0% ownership in Starbucks Korea. Starbucks Korea was initially a 50/50 venture with E-Mart In. (Shinsegae Group) and Starbucks Coffee Company launched in 1999 but back in 2021, Starbucks Coffee Company sold their 50% share in 2021. Starbucks Coffee Company explained, "Starbucks Coffee Company has agreed to sell its 50% ownership share of Starbucks Coffee Korea Co., Ltd. Joint venture partner E-Mart Inc. (Shinsegae Group) ("E-Mart ") will acquire an additional 17.5% interest in Starbucks Coffee Korea Co., Ltd., giving E-Mart 67.5% ownership of Starbucks operations in South Korea." The remaining 32.5% equity of Starbucks Coffee Korea was sold to GIC Private Limited, which is Singapore's sovereign wealth fund. This distinction is crucial in understanding the brand's operational dynamics in different international markets.