Coupang Rejects Korea's W3.37 Trillion Data Breach Payout
The e-commerce giant notified the Consumer Dispute Mediation Commission it would not accept the 100,000 won per user recommendation for 33.7 million affected customers.
Coupang Declines W3.37 Trillion Payout
Coupang, a prominent South Korean e-commerce company, has formally rejected a compensation proposal from Korea’s Consumer Dispute Mediation Commission. The commission had recommended that Coupang pay 100,000 won (approximately US$73) to each of the estimated 33.7 million users affected by a personal data breach in late 2025.
This payout would have amounted to a total of 3.37 trillion won. Coupang informed the commission in writing during early September 2026 that it found the mediation recommendation difficult to accept after a thorough review.
Earlier Voluntary Compensation Valued at W1.69 Trillion
Coupang stated its decision was based on a comprehensive assessment of its prior proactive efforts and the potential internal and external consequences of accepting the commission's proposal. The company had previously initiated a voluntary compensation programme in January 2026.
Under this programme, it offered shopping vouchers worth up to 50,000 won to each of the 33.7 million customers whose personal information was compromised. This earlier initiative represented a potential compensation value of nearly 1.69 trillion won.
Civic Groups Anticipate Legal Action
The rejection of the mediation recommendation by Coupang has drawn criticism from various civic organisations. These groups suggest that the company's decision indicates an intention to contest any additional liability with affected customers through individual civil lawsuits.
Should this occur, it could lead to prolonged legal proceedings and increased legal costs for Coupang, impacting its operational expenses and potentially setting a precedent for similar data breach cases in the South Korean market.
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