White House Convenes Urgent Session Over Coupang Data Breach

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A Coupang delivery truck is seen parked at a lot in Seoul on Dec. 25. [YONHAP]

Government Takes Immediate Action Following Data Breach

The presidential office held an emergency ministerial-level meeting with government officials to address a recent data breach involving the e-commerce giant Coupang. The meeting was convened to discuss the implications of the incident and determine the appropriate course of action. Kim Yong-beom, the presidential chief of staff for policy, led the session, which included high-ranking officials from various government departments.

Among those present were the science minister, the chair of the Personal Information Protection Commission, and representatives from investigative agencies. Notably, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and senior officials from the National Security Office and the National Intelligence Service also attended. This level of involvement suggests that the government is taking the matter seriously, possibly examining Coupang’s lobbying activities in the United States.

Government Officials Express Concern Over the Breach

Sources close to the situation indicated that there is a shared understanding within the government about the severity of the breach. The meeting was held even on a holiday, highlighting the urgency of the issue. One source, who requested anonymity, stated that the gravity of the situation warranted immediate attention.

Another source noted that the timing of the meeting—on a holiday—demonstrates how seriously President Lee Jae Myung views the matter. During a previous briefing by the finance ministry on December 11, the president criticized the U.S.-listed e-commerce company, stating, “Those people are not afraid of punishment at all.”

Coupang Claims to Have Recovered Leaked Data

In response to the breach, Coupang announced that it had recovered all leaked personal information involving approximately 3,000 customers. The company added that no data has been transferred to anyone outside the company. Additionally, Coupang claimed to have identified a former employee responsible for the leak using forensic evidence. The individual reportedly confessed and provided a detailed account of how customer information was accessed.

However, the government has not fully accepted these claims. It has refuted Coupang’s announcement as a “unilateral claim,” emphasizing that the results of a private-government joint team’s investigation into the data leak have yet to be released.

Ongoing Investigations and Public Concerns

Despite Coupang’s statements, public concerns remain high. Earlier reports indicated that nearly half a million Coupang users have joined a class-action lawsuit over the data leak. Some delivery workers have also expressed doubts about the company’s claims, suggesting that user numbers may have declined as a result of the incident.

The government’s continued scrutiny of the situation underscores the importance of ensuring transparency and accountability. As the investigation progresses, further details are expected to emerge regarding the extent of the breach and the measures being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

What Comes Next?

With the involvement of multiple government agencies, it is clear that the issue extends beyond a simple data breach. The potential implications for national security, consumer trust, and corporate responsibility are significant. As the investigation continues, the public will be watching closely to see how the government and Coupang respond to the growing concerns.