Deputy Prime Minister for Science and ICT: "Discussing Coupang Business Suspension with Fair Trade Commission... Also Cooperating with NIS"

"Priority Is to Complete the Joint Public-Private Investigation...
Decision Will Be Made Based on the Results"

The government is discussing the suspension of Coupang's business operations following a large-scale personal information leak incident.

On December 17, Paek Jonghun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, stated at the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information, Broadcasting and Communications Committee hearing on the Coupang hacking incident that discussions regarding the suspension of Coupang’s business due to the personal information leak are underway with the Fair Trade Commission.

On the 17th, Paek Jonghun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT, who attended the hearing related to the Coupang breach incident held at the Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, is responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yonhap News

When Assemblyman Park Junghoon of the People Power Party asked about the outcome of the discussions on Coupang’s business suspension, Deputy Prime Minister Paek replied, “We have conveyed our position to the Fair Trade Commission, which is the competent authority,” and confirmed the ongoing discussions.

However, he added, “First, it is essential to quickly complete and announce the results of the joint public-private investigation,” and emphasized, “The Fair Trade Commission will also make its decision based on the investigation results.”

When Assemblyman Park further asked, “Public anxiety is rising. Are you considering a more proactive approach to the business suspension?” Deputy Prime Minister Paek responded, “We will actively discuss the matter. We will conduct on-site investigations together with the Fair Trade Commission.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Paek denied Assemblyman Park’s claim that “the National Intelligence Service stated the Ministry of Science and ICT refused to participate in the joint public-private investigation team,” saying, “We have never refused.”

He added, “We are in the process of consulting with relevant agencies, including the National Intelligence Service,” and continued, “We will provide an answer to the National Intelligence Service soon.”