The Presidential Office stated today (July 3) regarding U.S. concerns over "discriminatory treatment" following the massive personal information leak at Coupang, that it "does not discriminate against corporate activities based on nationality, nor does it target any specific entity for investigation."

Wi Sung-lac, Director of the National Security Office, said during the briefing, "All investigations into Coupang are being conducted in a non-discriminatory manner in accordance with due process under domestic law."

Regarding the report from the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, Director Wi stated, "It is true that our government has made efforts to fully inform the U.S. Congress and government of our position. However, looking at this House Judiciary Committee report, our explanations were largely not reflected, and it contains many of Coupang's one-sided claims, which we have expressed regret over."

He added, "The report's claims that this investigation is discriminatory, targeted, or that unfair regulations are ongoing are significantly different from the facts," noting that "there seems to be a difference in perspective on this matter between the company and our government."

In particular, he explained, "According to our agency's investigation, over 33 million pieces of personal information were leaked. This is something the company itself has admitted," adding, "A former Coupang employee, who is a Chinese national, leaked the data from China. This could include the information of Americans living in Korea."

He further pointed out, "If a similar data breach occurred in the U.S., and personal information equivalent to two-thirds of the U.S. population was leaked to China without knowing where it went, it would undoubtedly be a very serious issue in the U.S."

Director Wi also actively refuted the report's characterization of the process by which Coupang recovered the hacking suspect's IT equipment from China as a "National Intelligence Service-led operation," and its suggestion that a high-ranking official from the Presidential Office was involved, stating, "This is completely untrue."

He said, "The Presidential Office did not know in advance, nor did it direct or participate in the recovery of the equipment containing evidence of Coupang's personal information leak from China," adding, "The first time I heard about it was around mid-December (last year) when I was told, 'A Coupang-related official recovered it, it's good news.'"

Regarding the White House expressing concerns following the U.S. Congress, he stated, "It seems they issued that position based on the (Judiciary Committee) report," adding, "We will continue to communicate and help them understand."

(Photo: Yonhap News)