Chairperson Song Kyunghee of the Personal Information Protection Commission: "No Contact with External Parties Regarding Major Coupang and KT Investigations"

Special Letter from Chairperson Sent to All Employees
"Immediately Report Improper Solicitations... Maintain Security of Investigation Details"

The Personal Information Protection Commission announced on January 5 that it had sent a special letter from the Chairperson to all employees, strictly prohibiting any private contact with external stakeholders in connection with ongoing investigations into Coupang, KT, and others.

According to the Commission, Chairperson Song Kyunghee stated, "There is more public attention than ever on major issues such as the ongoing investigations into Coupang and KT being conducted by the Commission." She continued, "At times like this, it is essential to exercise heightened caution against inappropriate contact with external stakeholders or the leakage of investigative information." She sent a special letter to this effect.

Song Kyunghee, Chairperson of the Personal Information Protection Commission, is speaking at the video plenary meeting held on December 3, 2025, at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, regarding the Coupang personal information leakage incident and prevention of secondary damage. Photo by Jo Yongjun

The Commission explained that this directive is intended to preemptively block inappropriate external contact and the leakage of investigative information that may arise during ongoing investigations or litigation, and to reinforce the fairness and credibility of the Commission's decisions.

Through this directive, the Commission emphasized the following: ▲ A complete prohibition on any private, individual contact with external stakeholders who may have a conflict of interest in cases under investigation or litigation ▲ Strengthening the system for immediately reporting improper solicitations or requests ▲ Thoroughly maintaining the security of information identified or obtained during the course of investigations.

Chairperson Song stated, "There may be attempts by external parties to exert influence or acquire information during the course of investigations and other key matters." She urged, "At times like this, as public officials responsible for protecting personal information, all employees must be especially vigilant and handle their work fairly in accordance with the law and principles."