Photo : YONHAP News
The government plans to provide Washington with a comprehensive explanation for the record 409 million U.S. dollars in fines it slapped on Coupang, and to ensure that it does not blow up into a diplomatic dispute between the two countries.
A foreign ministry official, who declined to be identified, told reporters on Thursday that the government will calmly clarify the results of the Personal Information Protection Committee’s decision to U.S. authorities and that Seoul maintains a non-discriminatory policy toward American digital companies, including Coupang.
The government on Thursday announced its decision to slap Coupang with fines and other penalties totaling around 624-point-seven billion won over the massive personal information breach that affected 37-point-five million of its customers last year.
The ministry official added that the Personal Information Protection Committee conducted the investigation fairly, following established legal procedures and the principle of imposing measures that align with the company’s responsibilities, and that Coupang was given the opportunity to fully express its views during the investigation.
U.S. lawmakers and investors have repeatedly criticized the probe into Seattle-based Coupang, alleging that South Korea is engaging in discriminatory, anti-American regulatory practices.