"Imposing a Fine of Up to 3% of Sales Is Also an Option"
Cho Also Posts About Leaving Coupang
On December 21, Cho Kuk, leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, addressed the massive personal information leak at Coupang, announcing that he had withdrawn his membership from the platform and calling for strong measures. He stated, "A temporary suspension order should be issued under the Electronic Commerce Act, or the maximum penalty should be imposed under the Personal Information Protection Act."
On his Facebook page that day, Cho Kuk said, "If Coupang continues to evade responsibility and delays compensation measures, the 'temporary suspension order' system under the Electronic Commerce Act must be enforced." Article 32-2 of the Electronic Commerce Act allows the Fair Trade Commission to temporarily suspend a business operator's activities before a full investigation and corrective measures if a violation is confirmed at an online shopping mall or similar business. The provision specifies that a temporary suspension order can be issued if 'consumers have suffered financial damage and there is a risk that irreparable harm will spread to a large number of consumers, making urgent preventive action necessary.'
Cho Kuk, leader of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, sent a message to Coupang CEO Bom Kim saying, "Bom Kim, I am warning you." Cho Kuk Facebook
Cho Kuk further explained, "While there may be temporary inconvenience to partner companies, delivery workers, and consumers, a strong warning is needed for Coupang, which has enjoyed a dominant position and displayed an arrogant attitude." He added, "During the 'temporary suspension' period, other responsible e-commerce companies could have the opportunity to grow." He continued, "If it is difficult to issue a 'temporary suspension order,' then under Article 64-2 of the Personal Information Protection Act, a penalty of up to 3% of total sales should be imposed." He specified, "Coupang's sales last year were about 41 trillion won, so a penalty of about 1 trillion won could be levied. These are actions the government can take even before any institutional reforms."
Finally, Cho Kuk declared, "I speak as the leader of a political party in the Republic of Korea," and addressed Bom Kim, saying, "Bom Kim, an American citizen (Korean name Kim Beomseok), get a grip! I am warning you!" Afterwards, Cho Kuk posted a new message confirming his withdrawal from Coupang, stating, "If Coupang acknowledges responsibility and prepares countermeasures, I will consider rejoining."
Harold Rogers, the new CEO of Coupang, is drinking water while attending a hearing related to the Coupang breach incident held on December 17, 2025, at the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee. Photo by Hyunmin Kim
Fair Trade Commission Chair: "Business Suspension Possible"
Public outrage has been mounting over Coupang's irresponsible response during the aftermath of the recent personal information leak. On December 19, Fair Trade Commission Chair Joo Byungki appeared on a broadcast, stating, "We will use every means available, including dispute mediation and legal support, to compensate consumers for their losses," and added, "We are also considering the possibility of suspending Coupang's business operations."
Previously, on December 17, the National Assembly held a hearing regarding Coupang's massive personal information leak, but key witnesses such as Coupang Inc. Chairman (CEO) Bom Kim and former CEO Park Daejun did not attend. Lawmakers from both parties unanimously criticized Coupang's stance, decided to file complaints against the absent witnesses, and agreed to initiate a parliamentary investigation.
Choi Minhee, Chair of the Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee, said, "All committee members, regardless of party affiliation, consider the absence of Chairman Kim and other key witnesses at today's hearing to be a very serious matter." She added, "Such absence is not only disrespectful to the National Assembly but also to the entire Republic of Korea and its citizens." Previously, the committee had requested the attendance of Chairman Kim, former CEO Park, and former CEO Kang Hanseung as witnesses. However, Chairman Kim submitted a statement citing "residing and working overseas" and "official business commitments as the CEO of a global company operating in over 170 countries" as reasons for his absence. Former CEOs Park and Kang stated that they could not attend due to their resignations.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
