Why was Coupang's interim CEO questioned for 12 hours over a data breach?
Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, Coupang's interim CEO Harold Rogers has been questioned for 12 hours by police regarding allegations of evidence tampering linked to a massive data breach. With claims of over 30 million accounts affected, the investigation raises serious questions about the company's internal practices and accountability.
Key Takeaways
Coupang's interim CEO was questioned for 12 hours over data breach allegations.
Authorities believe that nearly 33 million user accounts may have been affected.
The company’s internal investigation findings have been criticized as biased.
Rogers faces additional allegations of perjury and evidence mishandling.
The future of Coupang's reputation hangs in the balance as investigations proceed.
Seoul, Jan 31 (NationPress) The interim CEO of Coupang faced an extensive 12-hour police interrogation concerning allegations of evidence destruction tied to a significant data breach at the e-commerce giant. Harold Rogers exited the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on Saturday at 2:22 AM, refraining from responding to media inquiries about his potential admission to the allegations or plans to flee the country, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
He is under scrutiny for allegedly hindering official investigations into a breach that is believed to have impacted approximately 33 million users. Coupang had previously reported that only data from 3,000 accounts was compromised, a claim that authorities challenge.
Police suspect that over 30 million accounts were indeed affected and are probing the credibility of Coupang's internal investigation. Government officials have criticized the company’s findings as biased.
Investigators are particularly interested in the company's management of a laptop allegedly involved in the hacking incident. Coupang retrieved the device in China last month from a former employee linked to the breach and submitted it for police examination.
However, it has been reported that the company did not disclose it had already performed its own forensic analysis on the device. Police have interrogated Rogers about the reasons behind the company’s undisclosed communication with the suspect and its handling of the evidence.
“Coupang is fully committed to cooperating with all government investigations concerning us, and we will continue to engage with the police investigation,” Rogers stated upon his arrival at the agency on Friday.
Rogers, who previously ignored two police summonses, had left South Korea on January 1, just a day after attending a two-day parliamentary hearing regarding the retail giant’s data leak, before returning last week.
While there is speculation he may leave the country after the questioning, police are reportedly contemplating further interrogations.
Additionally, he faces accusations of perjury related to his parliamentary testimony, where he claimed that the internal investigation was conducted under the direction of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), which has since denied his assertion.
Separately, he is also accused of commissioning a report to protect the company from liability following a logistics center worker's tragic death in 2020.
Point of View
The ongoing investigation into Coupang's data breach and the questioning of its interim CEO highlights significant concerns regarding corporate governance and transparency. As the situation develops, it is crucial for the public and stakeholders to remain informed and vigilant about the implications of such breaches on consumer trust and data security.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What allegations is Coupang's interim CEO facing?
Harold Rogers is facing allegations of evidence destruction and obstruction of investigations related to a significant data breach affecting millions of users.
How many users were reportedly affected by the data breach?
Authorities estimate that nearly 33 million users may have been affected by the data breach, although Coupang initially reported only 3,000 compromised accounts.
What role did the National Intelligence Service play in this case?
Rogers claimed that Coupang's internal probe was conducted under the guidance of the National Intelligence Service, which the agency has denied.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The police are currently investigating the reliability of Coupang's internal investigation and have interrogated Rogers about the company’s handling of evidence.
What other allegations surround Harold Rogers?
In addition to the data breach allegations, Rogers is accused of perjury related to his parliamentary testimony and of attempting to shield the company from liability after a worker's death.
