Starbucks Korea said on the 13th it will launch "Star Light Blend," which reflects the Korean language in the coffee bean name, exclusively in Korea. It comes four years after the July 2021 release of "Byeoldabang Blend," the world's first coffee to include a native-language nickname in its bean name.
Star Light Blend was planned directly by the domestic MD (merchandising) team to mark the 26th anniversary of Starbucks Korea's opening and co-developed over about a year and six months with professional coffee developers at global Starbucks. It is available only in Korea.
The bean name uses the word "Star Light," a Korean term that evokes Starbucks. The bean package also features representative architecture and natural scenery that capture the beauty and sensibility of Korea's tradition and modernity, including Gyeongbokgung, hanok, the Seoul skyline, and the first Ewha Womans University store of Starbucks. Developed as a Blonde Roast, it is characterized by a harmony of the sweetness of strawberries—one of the fruits familiar to domestic consumers—and the refreshing flavor of hallabong.
This is the second time, after "Byeoldabang Blend," that Starbucks has written a Korean word rather than the name of a producing country or coffee farm in a bean name. Byeoldabang Blend became established as a bean symbolizing Starbucks Korea's coffee expertise, spreading by word of mouth for its excellent taste and flavor upon release and selling more than a cumulative 400,000 units to date.
Kim Kyung-bin, a partner on the MD team who planned Star Light Blend, said, "Star Light Blend's characteristics stand out more when you drink it compared with Byeoldabang Blend, which has a toasty flavor reminiscent of roasted chestnuts," and added, "As domestic consumers' preference for iced coffee has continued to rise recently, we devoted great care so you can enjoy the best flavor even when served cold."
Meanwhile, to mark the launch of Star Light Blend, Starbucks Korea will simultaneously hold "Coffee Moment" at stores nationwide so customers can experience the beans firsthand. From today through the 17th for five days, drip coffee tasting samples extracted with "Star Light Blend" will be offered at 3 p.m. In addition, Today's Coffee and iced coffee extracted with Star Light Blend will be available for purchase nationwide on a limited basis starting today.
Special benefits have also been prepared for customers who buy beans. Starbucks Rewards Green and Gold members can exchange one of the two bean types—Star Light Blend or Byeoldabang Blend—for free using 40 Stars from today through the 19th. An event offering a 20% discount to customers who purchase both Star Light Blend and Byeoldabang Blend will also run from the 20th through the 31st.