South Korean Regulators Probe Coupang’s Loans and Cross‑Border Transactions After Massive Data Breach
Updated (3 articles)
Regulators Intensify Scrutiny After Data Breach South Korea’s data‑breach disclosure revealed personal information of more than 33.7 million Coupang customers, far exceeding the company’s initial estimate of 3,000 accounts [1][2]. The breach prompted heightened oversight, with the government rejecting Coupang’s unilateral conclusions and demanding continued investigations [1]. In response, Coupang announced a compensation package exceeding 1.68 trillion won, offering 50,000‑won discounts and coupons to each affected user [2].
FSS Investigates High‑Interest Vendor Loans The Financial Supervisory Service opened a formal probe into Coupang Financial’s loan products, citing interest rates ranging from 8.9 % to 18.9 % as “unacceptable” and potentially yielding excessive profits [1]. Loans are primarily extended to vendors operating on Coupang’s e‑commerce platform, raising concerns about predatory lending practices. Governor Lee Chan‑jin emphasized that the investigation will assess whether the pricing complies with regulatory standards and consumer protection laws [1].
Customs Examines Cross‑Border Money Flows The Korea Customs Service dispatched investigators to Coupang’s Seoul office to audit foreign‑exchange transactions between the South Korean unit and its U.S. headquarters [2]. Authorities will verify that intercompany transfers, sales profits, and related accounting accurately reflect revenue and costs under Korean law. The probe seeks to determine whether cross‑border payments were recorded properly and complied with applicable customs and tax regulations [2].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
Yonhap: South Korea watchdog probes Coupang Financial over high-interest loans: Details the FSS’s investigation into vendor loans with 8.9‑18.9 % rates, regulator criticism, and the backdrop of a massive data breach .
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[2]
Yonhap: Customs probe into Coupang's Seoul office over cross-border dealings: Describes the customs team’s audit of foreign‑exchange and intercompany flows, review of Korean sales profits, and the company’s 1.68 trillion‑won compensation plan following the breach .