Coupang Founder Apologises for Data Incident, Reaffirms Commitment to Customer Trust

Seoul – South Korea’s leading e-commerce platform Coupang has taken a decisive step toward restoring public confidence as founder Kim Bom issued a formal apology over a recent customer data incident.

The statement marked Kim’s first public response since the issue surfaced, signaling a clear intent to address concerns transparently and responsibly.

In his message, Kim expressed sincere regret to customers and acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the breach, reinforcing the company’s customer-first philosophy.

He emphasized that protecting user data remains a top priority and pledged immediate corrective measures to strengthen digital security systems.

Coupang confirmed it is working closely with South Korean authorities to ensure full compliance with regulatory standards and investigative requirements.

The company stated that all affected personal information has now been fully restored, offering reassurance to millions of users across the country.

According to internal findings, data related to a limited number of customers was temporarily stored on an individual’s personal device.

Importantly, the company confirmed that the information was neither sold nor shared with any third party, reducing the risk of wider misuse.

Coupang’s leadership highlighted that the incident impacted only a small fraction of its overall customer base.

With more than 33 million registered users, the platform continues to operate at scale while prioritizing accountability and transparency.

Kim also announced plans to unveil a comprehensive compensation package for South Korean customers in the near future.

While details are yet to be disclosed, the commitment reflects the company’s intent to go beyond legal requirements.

Industry observers see this move as part of Coupang’s broader effort to reinforce trust in the digital economy.

By proactively addressing customer concerns, the company aims to turn a challenging moment into an opportunity for improvement.

The founder further pledged investments in advanced cybersecurity infrastructure to prevent similar incidents in the future.

These reforms are expected to include stricter internal controls, enhanced monitoring systems, and employee training programs.

Coupang reiterated its long-term vision of building a secure and resilient e-commerce ecosystem in South Korea.

The company’s rapid growth has made it a cornerstone of the country’s digital retail landscape.

Lawmakers have continued to scrutinize the matter, reflecting the growing importance of data protection in modern commerce.

Coupang, however, maintains that it is cooperating fully with government agencies while respecting confidentiality protocols.

The company has also reaffirmed its commitment to regulatory engagement and constructive dialogue with policymakers.

Kim’s apology was widely seen as a gesture of accountability from one of South Korea’s most influential tech entrepreneurs.

Analysts believe that clear communication from leadership is essential in maintaining investor and consumer confidence.

Coupang’s listing in the United States has brought global attention to its operations and governance standards.

As a result, the company faces heightened expectations regarding transparency and corporate responsibility.

Despite the incident, Coupang continues to invest heavily in logistics, technology, and customer experience.

Its fast-delivery model and integrated platform remain central to its competitive advantage.

The company’s response underscores the evolving standards of corporate governance in the digital age.

By prioritizing user trust, Coupang aims to reinforce its reputation as a reliable and responsible market leader.

The episode also highlights the broader shift toward stronger data protection norms across Asia’s technology sector.

For Coupang, the focus now lies on rebuilding confidence while continuing its growth trajectory.

The company’s leadership has made clear that lessons learned from this incident will shape future policies.

As South Korea’s e-commerce market continues to expand, trust and security are becoming key differentiators.

Coupang’s proactive stance positions it to emerge stronger and more resilient in the long run.