South Korea’s President Demands Action Following Coupang Data Breach

South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung has called for immediate penalties against those responsible for a significant data leak at the e-commerce giant Coupang, which has impacted over 33 million customers. The breach, which went undetected for five months, was described by President Lee as “astonishing,” emphasizing the “massive” scale of the damage.

The data leak occurred through overseas servers from June 24 to November 8, 2023, but it was only discovered by Coupang last month. Local media and police reports indicate that the company filed a complaint in November against a former employee, a Chinese national, suspected of being involved in the incident. President Lee has directed the government to implement stricter fines and ensure that punitive damages are effectively enforced.

Government Response and Investigation

During his address, President Lee stressed the importance of quickly identifying the cause of the breach, asserting that those responsible must be held “strictly accountable.” Police are currently tracing computer IP addresses and investigating potential international collaboration in the cybercrime. They have warned that the leak poses a threat to the daily lives and safety of every citizen in South Korea.

Coupang has informed its customers that personal information, including names, email addresses, phone numbers, shipping addresses, and some order histories, were exposed during the breach. However, the company clarified that financial data such as payment details and login credentials remain secure.

This incident follows a previous major breach involving SK Telecom, South Korea’s largest mobile carrier, which faced a fine of approximately 134 billion won (about $91 million) in August after a cyberattack compromised data for nearly 27 million users. South Korea, known for its advanced connectivity, has increasingly become a target for cyberattacks, particularly from North Korea.

Wider Implications of Cybersecurity Threats

In recent years, South Korean authorities have linked numerous cyberattacks to North Korean hackers. Investigations revealed that these hackers were responsible for stealing sensitive information from a South Korean court network over a two-year period. Additionally, reports from Yonhap News Agency last month suggested that a North Korean hacking group might be involved in a recent cyberattack on cryptocurrency exchange Upbit, which resulted in the unauthorized withdrawal of 44.5 billion won in digital assets.

The ongoing challenges in cybersecurity highlight the need for robust measures to protect sensitive data, particularly as South Korea remains one of the most technologically connected nations in the world. As investigations continue, the government’s response to the Coupang breach will likely set a precedent for handling future cybersecurity incidents in the region.