An extensive probe into Coupang, a major South Korean e-commerce platform, has revealed that a significant breach occurred, compromising the personal data of approximately 33.67 million accounts. Additionally, it was discovered that a former employee repeatedly accessed customer shipping addresses nearly 150 million times. Despite Coupang's initial claims that only around 3,000 accounts were impacted, the investigation has shown a far graver scenario. There are concerns over the potential misuse of this data, although no direct harm from the leak has been reported yet.

The investigation, announced during a briefing, highlights not only the severity of the breach but also calls into question the credibility of Coupang's previous statements regarding the incident. The company has faced increasing scrutiny and criticism in South Korea for its handling of this sensitive data and the potential risks it poses to customers. As Coupang continues its lobbying efforts in the United States, aiming to influence how this data breach is perceived, the editorial argues that such actions will not restore trust from its domestic customer base.

Ultimately, the fallout from this incident raises significant implications for Coupang's reputation and operational integrity. As it attempts to navigate the political landscape in the US, the company must first address the concerns of its Korean customers. The public may remain skeptical about the efficacy of its data protection measures, making it critical for Coupang to take substantial steps towards securing customer data and rebuilding trust in its brand.