The National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee (SICT Committee) filed a criminal complaint with the prosecution on December 19 against Kim Beom-seok, CEO of Coupang Inc., as well as former Coupang CEOs Park Dae-jun and Kang Han-seung, for failing to appear at a parliamentary hearing regarding the large-scale personal data breach incident.
Choi Minhee, Chairperson of the SICT Committee, stated that afternoon, "We will hold Kim Beom-seok and others fully accountable for mocking the Republic of Korea, its citizens, and the National Assembly."
Previously, on December 17, the SICT Committee held a hearing targeting Coupang, which was responsible for the personal data breach affecting 33.7 million customers. However, key figures such as Chairman Kim, the founder and de facto owner of Coupang, and former CEO Park Dae-jun, who led the company until recently, did not appear.
At the hearing, Harold Rogers, the acting CEO of Coupang who succeeded Park, was present. When asked, "Where is Chairman Kim?" Rogers responded evasively, saying, "As the CEO of Coupang Korea, I will answer all questions," which drew criticism from both ruling and opposition committee members.
As a result, on December 17, the SICT Committee unanimously agreed to file a complaint against CEO Kim, as well as former CEOs Park Dae-jun and Kang Han-seung, under the "Act on Testimony and Appraisal before the National Assembly."
According to this law, if a person summoned as a witness fails to appear without just cause, they may be subject to imprisonment for up to three years or a fine between 10 million and 30 million won.
The Democratic Party of Korea has also decided to pursue a joint hearing involving four standing committees: the SICT Committee, the Political Affairs Committee, the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, and the Environment and Labor Committee.
Chairperson Choi stated, "If Coupang believes that, as in the past, any wrongdoing can be glossed over through lobbying, they are gravely mistaken. This National Assembly will use every authority available, including joint hearings and a parliamentary investigation, to address the Coupang incident."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
