Is There an Unbiased Probe on Coupang by the Government?
Synopsis
In a critical governmental response, Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon asserts that the investigation into Coupang is fair and lawful, dispelling allegations of bias from the US. With over 33.6 million accounts compromised in a significant data breach, the implications for South Korean consumers are profound.
Key Takeaways
Government probe into Coupang is unbiased.
33.6 million accounts compromised in data breach.
Initial claims of only 3,000 accounts breached were misleading.
Government emphasizes transparency and accountability.
Potential fines and investigations for Coupang ahead.
Seoul, Feb 11 (NationPress) Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon stated on Wednesday that the government is conducting an investigation into the South Korean division of the US-listed e-commerce giant Coupang, adhering to principles of fairness and without bias, countering allegations from the US political sphere.
Bae made this assertion during a parliamentary session, following the commencement of an investigation by the US House Judiciary Committee, which criticized South Korea for what it termed 'discriminatory targeting' of American enterprises last Thursday (US time), as reported by Yonhap news agency.
“The investigation by South Korea is being executed in accordance with the law and established principles,” Bae remarked, in response to a legislator's inquiry regarding whether the government has enacted any biased actions against Coupang.
In November, Coupang reported a significant data breach, exposing personal information like names, phone numbers, email addresses, and delivery details.
The company initially claimed that only data from 3,000 accounts had been compromised, according to its internal investigation.
However, a collaborative public-private investigation confirmed on Tuesday that over 33.6 million accounts had been compromised.
“Although the data of 33.67 million accounts can be stored on a hard disk for cloud accounts, Coupang has not provided a comprehensive explanation,” Bae noted.
“It is the government's responsibility to thoroughly investigate and disclose the facts,” he continued.
Coupang, known for its overnight delivery of groceries and daily necessities, is a leading shopping platform in South Korea, with the breach potentially impacting nearly two-thirds of the nation's population.
A joint investigation into the major data breach at Coupang's South Korean division has confirmed that over 33.6 million accounts have been compromised, as stated by the science ministry. This suggests the company may have attempted to minimize the incident by initially claiming that only a small number of accounts were affected.
Furthermore, Coupang did not promptly report the incident, in violation of related regulations, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT.
The ministry indicated that it will impose a fine on the company for the delay in reporting and will pursue a formal investigation, emphasizing that the company has failed to preserve critical evidence despite previous requests.
Point of View
It is paramount to approach this situation with a commitment to the truth. The government's investigation into Coupang, amid allegations of discrimination, reflects the need for accountability in digital commerce. Upholding transparency is essential, especially when millions of consumers are impacted by data security concerns.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the investigation into Coupang?
The investigation was prompted by concerns over a significant data breach affecting millions of accounts and allegations of discrimination from US political circles.
How many accounts were affected by the data breach?
Over 33.6 million accounts were confirmed to have been compromised in the data breach.
What is the government's stance on the investigation?
The government asserts that the probe is being conducted in accordance with law and principles, without discrimination.
What penalties might Coupang face?
Coupang may face fines for failing to report the data breach promptly and for not preserving key evidence.
Why is this issue significant for South Korean consumers?
The breach potentially affects about two-thirds of the country's population, raising serious concerns about data security and consumer trust.
