People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy Criticizes Coupang: "Deceiving the Public, Not Compensation"
In response to the massive personal information leak, Coupang has announced a compensation plan, but civic groups have criticized it as "deceiving the public rather than providing compensation."
A massive personal information leak involving over 30 million cases occurred at Coupang. This scale surpasses the economically active population of 29.69 million, making it the worst leak in history. Photo by Dongju Yoon, taken at Coupang headquarters on the 1st.
Compensation Plan Worth 1.685 Trillion Won: "Forced Consumption, Not Recovery"
On the 29th, the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy issued a statement saying, "Coupang announced compensation of 50,000 won per person, totaling 1.685 trillion won, under the pretext of regaining public trust, but instead of cash, they are offering shopping vouchers." The group pointed out, "This is an even more inadequate measure than SK Telecom's compensation, which offered a 50% discount on the monthly fee."
On this day, Coupang announced a compensation plan worth 1.685 trillion won for 33.7 million customers. Specifically, each customer will receive four types of one-time-use shopping vouchers worth a total of 50,000 won: 5,000 won for all Coupang products, 5,000 won for Coupang Eats, 20,000 won for Coupang Travel products, and 20,000 won for Alux products. Coupang Travel is Coupang's travel product platform, and Alux is its luxury goods sales platform.
Regarding this, related organizations criticized, "All of these 50,000 won vouchers are essentially just incentives to boost sales, as non-members who do not pay additional monthly membership fees will have to spend extra money to use the vouchers." They argued, "Unless compensation is provided in cash or in cash-equivalent value, this is not recovery for damages, but merely forced consumption."
They also pointed out, "By offering 20,000 won vouchers each for Coupang's additional services like Coupang Travel and Alux, Coupang is attempting to expand its market share in travel and luxury goods services." The group added, "Even the 50,000 won amount is split among different platforms, reducing its real value and limiting consumer choice-a classic example of 'dividing compensation' to minimize its impact."
The Korea Consumer Organizations Council also issued a statement condemning the plan, saying, "We refuse to accept this, as it mocks consumers." The council stated, "This incident, where someone was able to structurally access the personal information of 33.7 million people, is a grave matter, and Coupang is trying to downplay its responsibility and turn it into a publicity stunt." They added, "Prioritizing 'compensation for all members' over sufficient compensation and practical remedies for specific, confirmed victims is likely a preemptive move to dilute legal responsibility in future lawsuits or dispute settlements."
A massive personal information leak incident involving over 30 million cases occurred at Coupang. This scale surpasses the economically active population of 29.69 million, making it the worst leak incident in history. On the 1st, following Coupang's apology message regarding the personal information leak incident, a Coupang signboard installed at Coupang headquarters is visible. Photo by Yoon Dongjoo
"Are They Just Trying to Settle for 10,000 Won?" Public Outrage Over Coupang's Compensation Plan
Criticism of Coupang's compensation plan is also spreading online. After the announcement, keywords such as 'Coupang Travel' and 'Coupang Compensation Plan' began trending in real time on X (formerly Twitter), fueling the controversy. One user commented, "I don't even know what Alux or Travel are. If Coupang and Coupang Eats are only 5,000 won each, are they just trying to settle for 10,000 won?" Another user expressed frustration, saying, "They're humiliating former users who left Coupang by using this as a marketing ploy to get them to rejoin."
Criticism also emerged from the political sphere. Choi Minhee, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, posted on her social media, "The person responsible for the leak of 33.7 million people's personal information refuses to appear at the National Assembly hearing, yet the company is pushing a 'voucher giveaway' plan that merely encourages spending on its own platforms under the guise of compensation." She added, "What even are Coupang Travel and Alux? Bundling coupons for services nobody uses is nothing but a sham."
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