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| ▲ Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office in central Seoul in this file photo taken Dec. 9, 2025. (Yonhap) |
labor minister-Coupang
Labor minister rebukes Coupang over data leak response
By Chae Yun-hwan
SEOUL, Jan. 5 (Yonhap) -- Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon on Monday criticized online retailer Coupang over its response to a massive data leak, questioning whether the company could be "fixed."
Kim's remarks came after lawmakers last week grilled Coupang executives at a parliamentary hearing into the breach, which the company initially said affected 33.7 million customers -- about two-thirds of South Korea's population.
"I thought about whether Coupang could be fixed while watching the hearing," Kim told reporters. "If it recognizes the cause of the problem even now, the people will give them a chance but we are not seeing that."
During the hearing, Coupang executives sparred with lawmakers over the company's response, including a compensation plan that promises 50,000 won worth of vouchers to affected customers.
The plan has drawn criticism as only 5,000 won can be used at Coupang's main platform, while the remaining vouchers worth 45,000 won have to be used at other commerce platforms, including one for luxury goods.
Coupang has also claimed that data from only 3,000 accounts were leaked and later deleted, citing an internal probe. Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon has criticized the claim as "extremely reckless," noting an official investigation is ongoing.
Kim said the data breach stemmed from a broader pattern of alleged cover-ups at the company, citing past industrial accidents involving Coupang.
"Anyone can make mistakes and accidents happen," he said. "There needs to be an accurate diagnosis of the cause of the accident to take measures but it is a pity as we are not seeing any of that."
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