Science Minister States Coupang Investigation Based on Law, No Discrimination

Government Investigates Coupang Amid Data Breach Concerns

The South Korean government has been conducting an investigation into the local operations of Coupang Inc., a major U.S.-listed e-commerce company, under the principle of legal compliance and fairness. This move comes in response to criticism from some U.S. political figures who have accused South Korea of targeting American companies unfairly.

During a parliamentary session, Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon addressed concerns about the probe, stating that it is being carried out according to the law and without any discriminatory intent. He responded to a question from a lawmaker regarding whether the government had taken actions against Coupang that could be seen as biased.

Coupang recently faced a significant data breach in November, where personal information such as names, phone numbers, email addresses, and delivery details were exposed. Initially, the company claimed that only 3,000 accounts were affected. However, a joint public-private investigation revealed that over 33.6 million accounts were compromised, raising serious concerns about the security of user data.

Bae highlighted the lack of clarity from Coupang regarding the breach, noting that while the data from 33.67 million accounts could theoretically be stored on a hard disk for cloud account purposes, the company has not provided a clear explanation. He emphasized the government’s responsibility to thoroughly investigate and reveal the facts surrounding the incident.

Coupang, known for its fast delivery services including groceries and daily necessities, is one of the most popular shopping platforms in South Korea. The scale of the data breach suggests that it may have impacted approximately two-thirds of the country’s population, underscoring the urgency of the government’s investigation.

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Key Points of the Investigation

  • Legal Compliance: The government’s probe is conducted under the law and without discrimination.
  • Data Breach Details: Over 33.6 million accounts were found to be affected by the breach.
  • Company Response: Coupang initially downplayed the extent of the breach but later faced scrutiny after a joint investigation confirmed the larger number of affected accounts.
  • Public Concern: The breach raises significant concerns about data security and the potential impact on millions of users.

The situation highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in handling sensitive user data. As the investigation continues, it will be crucial for all parties involved to work together to ensure that the necessary measures are taken to prevent future breaches and protect consumer information.

unnamed Science Minister States Coupang Investigation Based on Law, No Discrimination