The company is trying to stop South Koreans from using their orders to express support for or opposition to candidates in the upcoming presidential election.

South Korean businesses and celebrities usually strive to be seen as neutral. But it has become more crucial in recent months, as political turmoil triggered by former president Yoon Suk Yeol left the country more divided than ever.

Customers had been using the “Call My Name” option — often used for jokes and K-pop fandom — to have baristas shout political statements when their order is ready.

This move is a response to the growing trend of customers using politicians' names as nicknames when ordering drinks, often accompanied by messages of support or opposition.

After months of political turmoil, South Korea will elect a new president this week to succeed conservative Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted over his brief but shocking imposition of martial law.

Starbucks is set to break with its long-standing tradition of direct barista-customer interaction by introducing self-service kiosks in Korea and Japan for the first time, according to a Korea JoongAng Daily report.