South Korea’s leading e-commerce platform, Coupang, has publicly apologised after confirming a major data breach that may have exposed personal information of millions of users. The company disclosed that unauthorised access to its internal systems was detected last week, prompting an immediate shutdown of several backend services to prevent further leaks.

What Information Was Compromised?

According to early findings, names, phone numbers, email addresses, and order history appear to be among the data accessed. Coupang stated that payment information and financial data remain secure, as those systems are separately encrypted and stored in isolated environments.

Company Vows Full Transparency

Following public outrage, Coupang issued a formal apology, acknowledging its responsibility in safeguarding customer data.
“We deeply regret the concern caused by this incident and are taking comprehensive security actions,” the company said in a statement. The retailer added that it is cooperating with the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) and other regulators.

Government Launches Investigation

South Korean authorities have opened a full-scale investigation into the breach, seeking to determine whether Coupang violated data-protection laws or failed to maintain adequate cybersecurity protocols. The incident has already triggered discussions within the National Assembly about stricter oversight of major digital platforms.

Security Experts Sound the Alarm

Cybersecurity analysts say the breach highlights vulnerabilities in large e-commerce ecosystems. Experts note that huge volumes of customer data, combined with intense market competition and fast-paced software development, create opportunities for exploitation if security practices fail to keep pace.

Coupang Races to Repair its Reputation

In a bid to restore confidence, Coupang is rolling out enhanced security upgrades and initiating third-party audits. The company also plans to notify all affected users and offer guidance on safeguarding accounts.
While the retailer remains a dominant force in South Korea’s online shopping market, the breach has left many customers questioning whether their personal data is truly safe.