Assemblyman Min Byungdeok: "'Coupang,' Disliked by the Public, Could Face Sufficient Restrictions Such as Partial Business Suspension"

"Not a Simple Operational Error, But a Structural Problem"
"Reduced Investment in Security in the Digital Age"

Coupang Headquarters. Photo by Dongju Yoon

As the government is even considering the possibility of suspending Coupang's business operations following a massive personal information leak scandal, Min Byungdeok, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, stated that phased, partial, or conditional restrictions are fully possible.

On the 22nd, during an appearance on SBS Radio's "Kim Taehyun's Political Show," Assemblyman Min said regarding Bom Kim, Chairman of Coupang Inc., "As the owner and founder, he must provide an explanation to the public." He added, "He should discuss measures to prevent recurrence, but his attitude makes it difficult to trust him."

Assemblyman Min further criticized, "Chairman Kim claims Coupang is a global company, but what kind of global company is it?" He continued, "Since more than 90 percent of its revenue comes from Korea, it is essentially a Korean company." He went on to say, "Instead of solving the problem, they seem intent on minimizing their responsibility and seeking a legal resolution, which I find reprehensible."

Regarding the background of the large-scale personal information leak, Assemblyman Min pointed out, "This is not a simple operational mistake, but a structural problem." He explained, "Coupang left the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) position vacant for three years. They thought it was acceptable to leave it unfilled, which means they have been reducing investment in security in the digital era."

Concerning the Fair Trade Commission's mention of a possible business suspension for Coupang, he said, "A business suspension is warranted if damage has occurred or is likely to occur, and if there have been no measures for recovery or prevention of recurrence." He added, "However, we are concerned because a business suspension would have a significant impact on consumers, partner merchants, and delivery workers." He continued,"A full suspension of business operations is essentially the final measure," and stated, "However, phased or partial business suspensions, or conditional restrictions, are fully possible."

He also emphasized, "While consumers can find alternatives, the real issue lies with partner merchants and delivery workers," and stressed that "the government must prepare measures to support these groups when discussing a business suspension."