Starbucks Korea to recall humidifiers over fire concerns

Starbucks Korea said Friday it will voluntarily recall more than 390,000 humidifiers distributed as promotional giveaways late last year after a report of a fire linked to battery overheating. The recall covers 393,548 humidifiers handed out through the company's winter e-Frequency promotion between Oct. 30 and Dec. 31, Starbucks Korea said in a press release. "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," the company said. Starbucks Korea urged customers to stop using the products immediately. Customers who return the humidifiers will receive a 30,000-won ($20) Starbucks mobile card, the company said, adding that a parcel pickup service via its mobile app will be available starting Monday. Starbucks Korea operated 2,076 outlets here as of October 2025. Shinsegae Group's discount store chain E-Mart holds a 67.5 percent stake in Starbucks Korea, while the Government of Singapore Investment Corp (GIC) owns the remaining 32.5 percent.