In one of the largest cybersecurity incidents in South Korean history, e-commerce giant Coupang confirmed a massive data breach affecting over 33 million customer accounts. Authorities say the breach exposed sensitive personal information and may have compromised user security on a large scale.
The South Korean police have launched a full-scale investigation, as cybersecurity analysts warn that this hack could have far-reaching consequences for both consumers and Asia’s digital commerce ecosystem.
What Happened? Inside the Coupang Data Breach
Coupang revealed that an unauthorized actor accessed internal systems, resulting in:
-
Leakage of user names
-
Contact numbers
-
Email addresses
-
Partial purchase histories
-
Delivery addresses
Coupang has stated that payment information and passwords were not compromised, but cybersecurity experts remain skeptical until full forensic reports are completed.
Scale of the breach:
33 million users affected — nearly two-thirds of South Korea’s population.
This makes it one of the largest data breaches in Asia in the last decade.
How the Breach Was Discovered
The breach was first flagged when unusual network behavior triggered automated alerts on Coupang’s internal systems.
Investigators later found evidence of:
-
Unauthorized server access
-
Suspicious data extraction requests
-
Network vulnerabilities not previously patched
The timeline suggests that the attackers may have had system access for several days before discovery.
Police Launch Formal Investigation
South Korea’s National Police Agency announced a criminal probe into the breach.
The investigation will focus on:
-
Identifying the hackers
-
Determining whether the breach was state-sponsored
-
Examining loopholes in Coupang’s cybersecurity systems
-
Estimating the true scale of compromised data
-
Ensuring compliance with Korea’s strict data protection laws
If Coupang is found negligent, the company may face:
-
Heavy fines
-
Government sanctions
-
Mandatory cybersecurity upgrades
-
Class-action lawsuits from affected users
Cybersecurity Community Raises Concerns
Experts say the breach exposes serious weaknesses in Coupang’s data protection infrastructure.
“A breach of this magnitude indicates a multi-level system failure. Companies cannot afford outdated security models anymore,” said a Seoul-based cybersecurity analyst.
Many analysts believe this could serve as a wake-up call for Asian tech giants, who face increasing cyber threats from sophisticated hacking groups.
Risks for Affected Users
Even though financial information may not have been leaked, millions of users face risks such as:
-
Targeted phishing attacks
-
Scam calls and SMS messages
-
Identity theft attempts
-
Exposure of personal addresses
-
Social engineering attempts
Coupang has advised all users to remain vigilant.
Coupang’s Response So Far
The company has taken several steps to control the damage:
-
Blocked vulnerable servers
-
Launched internal forensic investigation
-
Informed regulators and users
-
Strengthened authentication layers
-
Hired external cybersecurity firms for audit
Coupang also promised to provide compensation and security upgrades depending on investigation outcomes.
Broader Impact on Asia’s E-Commerce Industry
The breach has triggered discussions about cybersecurity preparedness across Asia.
Countries like India, Japan, and Singapore are now reviewing their digital-commerce guidelines.
Possible long-term effects:
-
Stricter data protection laws
-
Mandatory security audits for tech companies
-
Increased costs of cybersecurity compliance
-
Greater customer distrust in online platforms
This breach may also push governments to demand stronger encryption and storage standards.
What Happens Next?
Authorities say the investigation could take weeks or months, depending on international cooperation and evidence trails.
Meanwhile:
-
Coupang faces potential lawsuits
-
Users have been advised to enable two-factor authentication
-
Cybersecurity firms warn of follow-up scams using stolen data
Analysts expect updates as police uncover the breach’s origin and the identity of the attackers.
Conclusion
The massive Coupang breach on 1 December 2025 highlights the growing vulnerability of digital systems in an era where cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
With 33 million users affected, the incident is a stark reminder that even the biggest tech platforms must continually fortify their cybersecurity defenses. The outcome of the investigation will likely shape future data protection rules across Asia.
FAQs
Q1: How many users were affected in the Coupang breach?
Over 33 million accounts.
Q2: Was payment information stolen?
Coupang claims financial data was not exposed, but investigations continue.
Q3: What risks do users face?
Phishing, identity theft, scam calls/SMS, and potential misuse of personal information.
Q4: What actions has Coupang taken?
Blocked compromised systems, notified users, initiated security upgrades, and cooperated with police.
