Major Data Breach at Coupang Impacts 33.7 Million Customers in South Korea

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Coupang, South Korea's leading e-commerce platform, has disclosed a significant data breach affecting approximately 33.7 million customer profiles, raising alarms among users. Often referred to as the “Amazon of South Korea,” Coupang confirmed the breach on Sunday, expressing deep regret in a public statement.

In a message posted on the company's site, CEO Park Dae-jun stated, “We wholeheartedly apologize for the inconvenience caused to our customers.” The breach is said to have revealed names, email addresses, phone numbers, shipping details, and some order history, though payment information and passwords remain safe, according to the company.

Investigations are currently underway, with authorities holding an emergency session on Sunday to determine if Coupang has breached any personal data protection regulations. Bae Kyung-hoon, the Minister of Science and ICT, confirmed that a formal investigation is in progress.

The company reported the breach, first detected on November 18, to the relevant authorities without delay. Law enforcement is collaborating with Coupang in an effort to identify the perpetrator, with investigations suggesting a potential involvement of a former employee from China. This unauthorized access reportedly initiated on June 24 through international servers.

Coupang, which boasts 24.7 million active users as of Q3, is integral to the everyday lives of many South Koreans, particularly via its “Rocket” speed delivery service. The Korea Internet & Security Agency has advised those affected to remain vigilant against phishing attempts and suspicious communications.

This incident compounds ongoing concerns regarding data security among major corporations in South Korea, prompting discussions about the adequacy of cybersecurity protocols and corporate responsibility within the country's flourishing tech landscape.