South Korean e-commerce leader Coupang has finalized a nearly $1.2 billion settlement (1.68 trillion won) to compensate 33.7 million users hit by its November 2025 data breach. While following last week's voucher plan announcement, the terms have faced backlash from stakeholders who argue they fall short of addressing the damages.
Building on its December 29 announcement of a 1.68 trillion won ($1.17-1.2 billion) compensation package—including 50,000 won vouchers per affected user—Coupang has agreed to the settlement amid the massive breach that compromised names, phone numbers, emails, and addresses for nearly its entire user base.
The breach, first reported November 20 and expanded to 33.7 million by November 29, was attributed to a former employee, per company forensics. However, the settlement's structure has drawn sharp criticism: some parties contend the voucher-based compensation does not adequately cover losses, privacy harms, or long-term risks, fueling calls for stricter oversight.
This comes after founder Kim Bom-suk's December 28 apology and ongoing government probes. The case underscores rising e-commerce data accountability in South Korea, potentially shaping future regulations.
