Coupang Data Leak Impacts 33 Million Users as Government Faces Multiple Crises
Updated (2 articles)
Massive Personal‑Data Breach Confirmed by Joint Investigation South Korea’s Science Minister Bae Kyung‑hoon announced that a joint government‑private probe verified the leak of names and email addresses belonging to more than 33 million Coupang customers, matching the e‑commerce firm’s own disclosure released the previous week[1]. The scale of the breach underscores persistent privacy vulnerabilities in the nation’s leading online retailer and has triggered calls for stricter data‑protection measures[1].
Ruling Party Floor Leader Resigns Amid Misconduct Allegations Representative Kim Byung‑kee stepped down from his position as Democratic Party floor leader after accusations surfaced of preferential treatment, abuse of power, and accepting free accommodation from Korean Air, among other family‑related misconduct[1]. He issued a public apology for the alleged actions, intensifying scrutiny of internal party ethics[1].
President Lee Urges Unity Following Controversial Minister Nomination President Lee Jae Myung addressed the Cabinet, urging national unity and inclusion after both ruling and opposition lawmakers expressed strong backlash to his nomination of an opposition figure to a ministerial post[1]. Lee emphasized the need to move beyond extreme confrontation toward a society that respects differing viewpoints[1].
Nuclear Safety Commission Approves Saeul‑3 Reactor Operation The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission gave the green light for the Saeul‑3 reactor, a domestically designed APR1400 unit located at the Saeul Nuclear Power Site in Ulsan, with commercial operation slated for the following year[1]. This approval marks a significant step in South Korea’s nuclear expansion strategy[1].
Budget Minister Nominee Apologizes for Past Martial‑Law Support Lee Hye‑hoon, the nominee for budget minister, publicly apologized for earlier remarks endorsing former President Yoon Suk‑yeol’s failed martial‑law proposal, labeling an insurrection as unequivocally wrong and admitting she had not fully grasped the issue at the time[1]. The apology aims to mitigate political fallout surrounding her candidacy[1].
Timeline
2024 – Former President Yoon Suk Yeol attempts a martial‑law decree that is later rejected, a backdrop for current debates over an “insurrection tribunal” and political accountability. [1][2]
Dec 10, 2025 – Coupang CEO Park Dae‑jun resigns after a breach exposing the personal data of nearly 34 million users; he issues a public apology and hands over leadership to the chief administrative officer as interim chief. [2]
Dec 10, 2025 – People Power Party lawmakers stage sit‑in protests to block eight Democratic Party bills, including a proposal for a special insurrection tribunal linked to Yoon’s failed martial‑law bid. [2]
Dec 10, 2025 – Seoul unveils a “world’s largest” chip‑cluster plan, targeting 700 trillion won of investment by 2047 to build 10 new fabrication plants and lift South Korea into the top‑two global semiconductor producers. [2]
Dec 10, 2025 – 51 South Korean nationals are detained in a joint police raid in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, on suspicion of scam involvement; one detainee is released and another rescued from alleged torture. [2]
Dec 10, 2025 – Preliminary talks begin between heritage authorities and the Seoul metropolitan government on a controversial high‑rise redevelopment near Jongmyo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to prepare for central‑local coordination. [2]
Dec 10, 2025 – South Korea’s defense ministry lodges protests with China and Russia after two Chinese and seven Russian aircraft briefly enter the Korean Air Defense Identification Zone, prompting the dispatch of fighter jets. [2]
Dec 30, 2025 – Science Minister Bae Kyung‑hoon confirms that a joint government‑private investigation finds the names and email addresses of over 33 million Coupang users were leaked, underscoring ongoing privacy concerns. [1]
Dec 30, 2025 – Democratic Party floor leader Rep. Kim Byung‑kee resigns amid misconduct allegations, apologizing for misuse of free airline accommodation and other family‑related improprieties. [1]
Dec 30, 2025 – President Lee Jae Myung calls for unity after backlash over his nomination of an opposition figure to a ministerial post, urging inclusion to move beyond “extreme confrontation.” [1]
Dec 30, 2025 – Nuclear Safety and Security Commission approves operation of the Saeul‑3 APR1400 reactor at Ulsan; the plant’s commercial launch is scheduled for 2026, marking a milestone for domestic nuclear technology. [1]
Dec 30, 2025 – Budget minister nominee Lee Hye‑hoon apologizes, stating “an insurrection is a wrongdoing that should never occur” and acknowledging her earlier support for Yoon’s failed martial‑law bid was misguided. [1]
2026 (planned) – Saeul‑3 reactor begins commercial operation, expected to add significant capacity to South Korea’s nuclear fleet. [1]
2047 (planned) – Completion of the chip‑cluster program, with the full 700 trillion won investment realized and ten new fabs operational, positioning Korea as a leading global chip hub. [2]