Coupang Data Leak Prompts Diplomatic Tensions and Calls for Compensation
Updated (2 articles)
Massive Personal Data Exposure Affects Millions The Korean American Public Action Committee disclosed that roughly 33 million Coupang customer accounts were accessed in a data breach that occurred last year, exposing names, phone numbers, and other personal details. The leak represents one of the largest consumer‑data exposures in South Korea’s e‑commerce sector. The committee’s statement amplified public concern and attracted regulatory attention. [1]
Civic Group Demands Full Disclosure and Victim Compensation The committee urged Coupang to publicly detail the breach’s scope and to provide substantive, fair compensation to affected users. It warned the company against using political lobbying or congressional hearings to conceal facts, emphasizing the need for transparent remediation. The group framed the incident as a potential threat to the reputation of Korean‑American entrepreneurs if mishandled. [1]
U.S. Lawmakers Question Korean Investigation Tactics During a congressional hearing, a House member criticized Korean regulators for what he described as aggressive and discriminatory actions toward Coupang. The remarks highlighted concerns that the investigation could be perceived as targeting a Korean‑American firm unfairly. This criticism underscored the diplomatic sensitivity surrounding the case and the risk of escalating U.S.–Korea tensions. [1]
South Korean Trade Minister Engages Washington to Defuse Issue Trade Minister Yeo Han‑koo traveled to Washington to discuss U.S. concerns with Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. He affirmed that the probe follows fair, transparent principles consistent with applicable laws and is unlikely to become a trade or diplomatic dispute. The meeting aimed to reassure U.S. officials and prevent the data‑leak controversy from harming bilateral relations. [1]
Timeline
Dec 24, 2025 – Former U.S. national security adviser Mike O’Brien blasts the South Korean National Assembly’s probe of Coupang, calling it “aggressive targeting” of the U.S.-listed firm and urging a “strong, coordinated U.S. response” to protect American companies and counter China’s influence [1].
Dec 24, 2025 – Coupang discloses a massive data breach that exposed personal details of ≈33.7 million customers (names, phone numbers, email addresses), sparking intensive scrutiny by the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) and lawmakers over the e‑commerce giant’s security practices [1].
Dec 24, 2025 – O’Brien links the controversy to former President Trump’s trade agenda, warning it would be “very unfortunate if Korea undermines Trump’s effort to rebalance the trade relationship” by singling out U.S. tech firms [1].
Jan 19, 2026 – The Korean American Public Action Committee warns that the same breach, affecting roughly 33 million accounts, could damage Seoul‑Washington ties unless Coupang provides full transparency and “substantive, responsible compensation” to victims [2].
Jan 19, 2026 – During a U.S. congressional hearing, a House member condemns Korean regulators, describing their actions as “aggressive” and “discriminatory” toward Coupang, highlighting the diplomatic sensitivity of the probe [2].
Jan 19, 2026 – South Korea’s Trade Minister Yeo Han‑koo visits Washington, meets U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and asserts that the investigation proceeds “fair and transparent” and is “not likely to escalate into a trade or diplomatic matter” [2].
Jan 19, 2026 – Civic leaders note that Coupang’s founder, Korean‑American Kim Bom‑suk, and the company’s core market in South Korea make the breach a domestic issue with international repercussions, underscoring the intertwined economic interests of the United States and South Korea [2].