Kim Beom-seok, ‘first apology’ in a month… Another controversy over ‘justification of self-investigation’

[Anchor]

Coupang Chairman Kim Beom-seok made his first official apology in a month. He said he would humbly accept criticism and reprimand, but said the apology was delayed due to the so-called 'self-investigation'. Once again, there is criticism that the controversy is justified.

First, this is reporter Lim Ji-su.

[reporter]

Today marks the 40th day since Coupang reported a large-scale personal information leak.

Kim Beom-seok, Chairman of Coupang INC, apologized for the first time.

Chairman Kim posted an apology on the Coupang website and acknowledged that the initial response was inadequate and communication was lacking, saying, "I cannot help but feel devastated at the situation in which the people were disappointed."

After taking steps to prevent secondary damage, they thought it would be best to confirm all the facts and apologize, but they said it was a misjudgment.

Chairman Kim said, “We have been fully cooperating with the government from the beginning of the investigation,” and added, “We have complied with the government’s request to maintain confidentiality.”

As a result, the explanation to the public was neglected.

He then went on to emphasize once again the results of his own investigation into the controversy.

“After one month of effort, we have recovered 100% of the leaked customer information,” he said. “We have secured the leaker’s statement and criminal tools, confirmed that the leaked information was limited to 3,000 items, and that it was not distributed or sold externally,” and made the ‘self-conclusion’ through the internal investigation a fait accompli.

The party being investigated for neglecting a serious infringement incident repeatedly unilaterally announced incomplete investigation results.

[Lee Eun-woo/Attorney (Coupang criminal complaint case legal representation): (Coupang) not only failed to manage retiree account rights, but also failed to detect any abnormalities for 5 months (after the incident occurred).]

There is criticism that the announcement, which emphasizes individual employee deviations while disclosing limited information, is causing further consumer confusion.

[Son Dong-hoo/Attorney (Representing Coupang class action lawsuit in New York, USA): It is said that (Coupang) took action before attending the hearing, but it does not seem advantageous because the results of its own investigation will be treated very seriously in the (US) court.]

In his apology, Chairman Kim added that he would prepare a compensation plan and implement it as soon as possible.

[Video editing by Park Soo-min and video design by Kim Yun-na]

Reporter Lim Ji-soo (yim.jisoo@jtbc.co.kr)

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Kim Beom-seok, 'first apology' in a month... Another controversy over ‘justification of self-investigation’ (link)