Journalist
Lee Hugh
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Coupang hit by massive personal data breach affecting 33 million accounts SEOUL, November 30 (AJP) - Coupang, the top e-commerce platform with some 33 million monthly active users in South Korea, is facing growing criticism after confirming that personal information belonging to more than 33 million customer accounts was exposed in a major data breach. The scale of the incident has stirred anxiety among consumers and intensified scrutiny of how large technology companies protect basic personal data. The breach has drawn wide attention because Coupang has become deeply embedded in daily life across Korea. For many households, especially working families and parents with school-age children, the overnight delivery service and wide product range function almost like everyday infrastructure rather than a simple retail option. Coupang announced on November 29 that approximately 33.7 million accounts had been improperly accessed. According to the company, the leaked information includes customer names, email addresses, phone numbers, delivery addresses and parts of order histories. Coupang said no credit card numbers, passwords or payment information were exposed. The company stated that unauthorized access is believed to have begun on June 24 through an overseas server, meaning that customer information may have been vulnerable for nearly five months before the breach was detected. The seriousness of the incident was underscored by a text message Coupang sent to customers around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. In the message, the company apologized and said it had “reported the incident to the relevant authorities immediately” after discovering it. Coupang described the breach as the result of “unauthorized access,” said it had blocked abnormal pathways, strengthened internal monitoring, and confirmed that “card information, payment data and login-related information such as passwords were not exposed.” The message also warned customers to be cautious of calls or messages impersonating Coupang and included a link to an FAQ page for further updates. Coupang said it identified unusual activity on November 18 and filed reports with the Personal Information Protection Commission on November 20 and November 29. The commission, known as the PIPC, has launched an investigation and said it will take action if any violations of the Personal Information Protection Act are confirmed. The Ministry of Science and ICT has formed a joint public-private team to examine the cause of the breach and prepare preventive measures, while police began a separate investigation after receiving a complaint from Coupang on November 25. Public concern has risen steadily. Many users expressed fears about phishing attempts, identity theft and other secondary risks that often follow major data leaks. Others questioned how such a large breach could remain undetected for months and whether additional information may have been exposed during that period. Scrutiny intensified after Coupang revised its initial estimate. On November 20, the company announced that about 4,500 accounts had been affected. Nine days later, the estimate rose to 33.7 million, an increase of roughly 7,500 times. The updated figure exceeds the company’s own total of 24.7 million active customers reported in its third-quarter results, suggesting that nearly all registered users, including inactive accounts, were affected. The size of the breach surpasses the data leak at SK Telecom, which was breached in April 2025, which affected 23.24 million people and resulted in a record fine of 134.8 billion won imposed by the Korea Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), the country's personal information watchdog. Other recent incidents have contributed to a sense of distrust among consumers. In September, Lotte Card initially said no customer information had been compromised in a security breach, then later acknowledged that card numbers and CVC codes had been leaked. KT faced allegations that evidence was removed during its response to a hacking case, prompting forced investigations earlier this month. These comparisons were drawn from publicly reported domestic cases. With names, phone numbers, home addresses and years of purchase records potentially exposed, concerns about targeted scams remain high. Some users worry that increasingly personalized fraud attempts may follow because the stolen data could be used to craft convincing messages. Coupang is facing questions about why the breach went unnoticed for so long and what steps it will take to support affected customers. Although the company maintains that payment information was not involved, many consumers say that even basic personal data can create long-term problems once leaked. Investigations by the PIPC, the Ministry of Science and ICT and the police are continuing, and the findings are expected to provide a clearer picture of what happened. 2025-11-30 11:16:39 -
Kookmin University professor listed among world's top 2 percent scientists for third straight year SEOUL, November 30 (AJP) - Kookmin University said in a recent announcement that Jang Young-min, who teaches electronic engineering at the university, has been named to the 2025 Top 2% Scientists list compiled by Stanford University and Elsevier. The global list, based on Elsevier’s Scopus database, evaluates citation indicators and academic influence to identify leading researchers across major fields. Jang’s inclusion marks the third consecutive year he has appeared on the list. University officials noted that his work spans a wide mix of AI-convergence research, from optical wireless communication and battery management to sensor fusion, drone communication, quantum AI, 6G systems, and IoT networks. Much of his recent work sits within the university’s broader AI+X focus, especially in optical wireless links and energy management tied to international standardization efforts. In his laboratory, Jang and his team have built core technologies such as LiDAR, RADAR and camera sensor fusion systems, energy AI, and device-to-edge-to-cloud AI platforms. Those technologies have been pushed toward international standardization, giving his research both practical and commercial weight. Over the past five years, he has published 65 SCIE-indexed papers and secured 12 international patents, with 13 more currently filed, underscoring the originality and industrial relevance of his work. “It is meaningful to see our AI+X convergence research recognized at the international level, especially because it is a collective achievement with graduate students and industry partners,” Jang said. He added that he plans to translate problem-solving research in industrial AI into verified technologies and develop them into internationally recognized ICT standardization guidelines. 2025-11-30 10:12:38 -
Kookmin University posts top growth rate among Seoul universities in 2025 Joongang rankings SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - Kookmin University marked a decisive milestone this year, as President Jung Seung-ryul noted that the institution is now recognized for its sustained rise in academic competitiveness. In the 2025 Joongang Ilbo University Rankings released on Nov. 28, Kookmin placed 14th overall and recorded the highest 10-year growth rate among universities in Seoul, securing second place nationwide in the new long-term growth index. Jung said the results reflect a decade of steady work to strengthen both teaching and research. The Joongang evaluation reviewed universities across four areas — faculty research, educational environment, student performance, and reputation. Kookmin has shown a consistent upward line since ranking 19th in 2017, climbing to 18th in 2018, 16th in 2019, and 13th last year. This year's outcome maintains the university's momentum while underscoring the effects of its internal reforms. Faculty research showed some of the most visible progress. The number of international journal publications per professor rose sharply, moving from 24th to 13th, a jump evaluated as evidence of stronger global research capacity. Industry-academic cooperation revenue per science and engineering professor — one of the university's traditional strengths — held steady at second place nationwide. University officials said the results align with Kookmin's eight specialized growth areas: design and content, mobility, quantum, AI+X, robotics, advanced materials and semiconductors, water-energy-environment, and bio. Research funding secured this year alone in AI and bio-related government programs reached 134.4 billion won, reflecting an active push into future-oriented fields. Kookmin also highlighted its new mid-to-long-term roadmap, "KMU VISION 2035: EDGE," unveiled in October. The plan focuses on strengthening the quality and global visibility of faculty research through targeted incentives and more systematic internal support. The university aims to recruit competitive scholars, raise the international presence of its research output, and secure a clearer institutional edge in an increasingly crowded higher-education landscape. In the educational environment category, scholarship-related indicators continued to improve. Scholarship per student rose from 13th to 11th, supported by a range of programs spanning national scholarships, university-funded awards, and tailored support based on individual circumstances. The university was recognized as a model institution in scholarship management in audits by the Korea Student Aid Foundation and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. Student performance and outcomes also showed measured gains. The university's dropout rate improved from 14th to 12th, while startup support funding moved up from 8th to 7th. Reputation scores echoed a similar movement. The social influence of graduates — a metric closely tied to hiring outcomes and public recognition — climbed by 10 places compared to last year. Corporate recruiters ranked Kookmin 12th among preferred universities for new hires, while surveys of high school students and parents placed the school 12th and 13th, respectively. Reflecting on the results, Jung said the university will use its approaching 80th anniversary next year to advance a new institutional vision. "We have established the vision 'A university that sets the standard in higher education' and the slogan 'Make the Rule, Break the Rule'," he said. "As the meaning behind this vision suggests, we will not settle for this year's rankings but continue to improve conditions across education, research, and global engagement so that we can compete not only within Korea but with universities abroad." 2025-11-28 17:37:27 -
Asian markets mostly gain, but Seoul tumbles on foreign sell-off SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - Asian equities ended mostly higher on Friday, with the notable exception of South Korea’s KOSPI, which slumped sharply amid renewed currency volatility and recession concerns. The Korean won weakened to 1,471.8 per dollar, up 8.8 won as of 5 p.m., with traders saying recent verbal intervention by authorities has done little to stabilize the currency. Bond yields eased after an early climb. The three-year government yield, which touched a morning peak of 3.08 percent — up 6.7 basis points — slipped to 2.99 percent by the close. South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI fell 1.51 percent to 3,926.59, the only major Asian index to post a drop of more than 1 percent. Foreign investors were the main sellers, offloading 2.06 trillion won ($1.4 billion). Analysts said the weak won and limited impact of FX intervention weighed on sentiment. A batch of softer-than-expected industrial activity data released earlier in the day also stoked concerns about a looming economic slowdown. Capital outflows from the KOSPI coincided with inflows into the tech-heavy KOSDAQ, where expectations of government stimulus measures pushed the index 3.71 percent higher to 912.67. Foreigners and institutions contributed net inflows of 488 billion won and 602.6 billion won, respectively. Blue chips dragged on the main board. Samsung Electronics slipped 2.9 percent to 100,500 won, while SK hynix lost 2.57 percent to 530,000 won. LG Energy Solution was the weakest among major stocks, plunging 6.85 percent to 408,000 won. By contrast, KOSDAQ shares surged, led by robotics plays. Rainbow Robotics jumped 13.43 percent to 435,000 won, and Yujin Robot gained 5.08 percent to 12,200 won. Elsewhere in Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 edged up 0.17 percent to 50,253.91. Toyota Motor was little changed at 3,133 yen ($20), down 0.16 percent, as persistent doubts over its electric-vehicle strategy offset solid hybrid sales. Energy and telecom stocks in Tokyo posted small gains, with wire and fiber-optic maker Furukawa Electric rising 4.73 percent. Chip stocks were mixed. Advantest climbed 0.81 percent while Tokyo Electron fell 1.18 percent. Taiwan’s TAIEX added 0.26 percent to 27,626.48. TSMC inched up 0.35 percent to NT$1,440 ($45.86), while MediaTek advanced 4.1 percent to NT$1,395. Mainland Chinese markets ended higher — the SZSE Component up 0.85 percent and the Shanghai Composite up 0.34 percent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index slipped 0.2 percent to 25,895.20, pressured by cautious sentiment following a deadly apartment fire. 2025-11-28 17:28:28 -
Economy/Business Calendar Seoul, November 28 (AJP) - Dec 1 (Mon) ISM Manufacturing (Nov) - U.S. NBS/Caixin PMIs (Nov) - China Dec 3 (Wed) GNI (3Q) - Ministry of Data and Stats ADP, ISM Services - U.S. Dec 5 (Fri) BoP (Oct) - Bank of Korea Industrial Loans (Q3) 2025 - Bank of Korea Jobs Report (Nov) - U.S. Dec 9-10 (Tue-Wed) FOMC meeting - U.S. Export/Import price indexes (Nov) - Bank of Korea Dec 15-18 (Mon-Thu) Trade, CPI/PPI (Nov) - China Dec 16 (Tue) Combined Oct–Nov Employment - U.S. Monetary Aggregates (Oct) - Bank of Korea Dec 18 (Thu) US CPI (Nov) - U.S. CPI (Nov) - Japan Dec 19 (Fri) PPI (Nov) - Bank of Korea Dec 23 (Tue) GDP 3Q (final), consumer confidence - U.S. Dec 24 (Wed) CSI (Dec) - Bank of Korea NYSE/Nasdaq early close - U.S. Dec 25 (Thu) Christmas Closures - KR/US/HK Holiday Dec 29-30 (Mon-Tue) Nov Industrial output Dec 31 (Wed) CPI (Dec, Annual) - Ministry of Data and Statistics KRX/TSE Closed - KR/JP Holiday 2025-11-28 17:27:04 -
Ex-President Yoon rated worst among former leaders, poll shows SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - The late President Roh Moo-hyun remains the most favored among South Korea's former leaders, according to a poll released on Friday. Pollster Gallup Korea surveyed 1,000 adults earlier this week and found that 77 percent of respondents evaluated disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol as the worst, with his shortcomings outweighing his accomplishments more than any other past South Korean president. Yoon is currently on trial over his Dec. 3 declaration of martial law last year, which plunged the country into political turmoil. He was ousted from office in April this year after the Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment. Yoon was followed by strongman Chun Doo-hwan at 68 percent, who seized power through a military coup in 1980; Park Geun-hye, the country's first female president, at 65 percent, who was ousted in 2017 over a corruption scandal; and Chun's successor Roh Tae-woo at 50 percent, who served from 1988 to 1993 and was later imprisoned for corruption and mutiny. Other former presidents such as Lee Myung-bak, Moon Jae-in, and Syngman Rhee also received unfavorable assessments, with their negative ratings hovering around 40 percent. Roh received the most favorable rating at 68 percent, with only 15 percent viewing him negatively. He was followed by Park Chung-hee at 62 percent, who led the country's rapid industrialization in the 1960s and 1970s; Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kim Dae-jung at 60 percent; and Kim Young-sam, the country's first civilian president, at 42 percent. Gallup Korea said that since its first survey in 2012, there have been slight shifts in evaluations of some leaders, with Kim Young-sam and Lee receiving more positive views, suggesting a reassessment of their legacies. 2025-11-28 17:14:28 -
Korea's unique dawn delivery stokes debate between consumer and labor rights SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - South Koreans expect grocery orders to arrive at their doorstep by morning — a standard that may astonish outsiders but has become routine thanks to Coupang's ultra-fast e-commerce strategy. Competitors large and small, including Kurly, SSG.com under Shinsegae, CJ Logistics, and others, now compete primarily on delivery speed. But overnight and dawn deliveries come with a human cost. The delivery workers' union under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions recently proposed restricting deliveries between midnight and 5 a.m., suggesting that workers starting at 5 a.m. should handle early-morning orders. The union emphasized that the goal is to protect rest hours, not abolish the service. Even so, the discussion quickly escalated into calls for an outright ban. Coupang, the dominant player, has become the center of the controversy. According to the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, eight deaths occurred during early-morning deliveries between 2019 and 2023, with 151 workers injured. Critics say risks such as drowsy driving and chronic overwork cannot be dismissed as "voluntary choices." Yet a ban is opposed not only by consumers but also by many delivery workers themselves. The Coupang Partners Association, representing subcontracted drivers, said 93 percent of respondents in its survey opposed restrictions. Coupang's union for full-time drivers also argued the issue had become "political rather than being about improving labor rights." Consumer sentiment leans strongly toward preserving the service. Surveys show delivery speed is the top reason Koreans choose Coupang, followed by easy returns and refunds. A Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry poll found that 84 percent of residents in smaller cities and island regions want access to early-morning delivery. The model is rare overseas, underscoring its uniquely Korean characteristics. In the United States, same-day delivery is offered by Amazon and Walmart, but midnight-to-dawn operations are avoided because of labor costs, noise regulations, and local "quiet hours." The European Union restricts transportation work hours, limiting shifts to under ten hours if any portion falls after midnight, while high logistics costs and strict urban noise rules make overnight delivery impractical. Japan also has no dawn-delivery service; most couriers begin time-slot deliveries after 8 a.m., and convenience-store pickup absorbs much of the early-morning demand. Korea's geography and density help explain the difference. The Seoul metropolitan area has a high concentration of consumers and logistics hubs, enabling short delivery distances and light overnight traffic. From 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., drivers can handle far more orders than during daytime hours. Companies such as Coupang, Kurly, and Oasis have used delivery speed as a key competitive edge, making early-morning delivery a fixture of daily commerce. Safety concerns, however, have intensified after a series of recent deaths involving night-shift workers. Three workers employed by Coupang or its subcontractors died this month while working overnight or early-morning shifts. Coupang said underlying health issues must also be considered, but labor groups counter that strenuous work can aggravate existing conditions and should be treated as an occupational illness. The debate is growing increasingly heated. A National Assembly petition opposing a ban has surpassed 25,000 signatures. Supporters argue that policymakers must consider the realities of dual-income households, while businesses warn that restricting the service could disrupt the broader ecosystem — including fresh-food logistics, packaging, electric-vehicle delivery, and smart-logistics operations. Experts say the goal should not be eliminating early-morning delivery, but ensuring the system remains sustainable. "Strengthening accident-response systems and guaranteeing rest hours are key," said Seo Yong-gu, a professor at Sookmyung Women's University. "What is needed is policy reform that protects workers while maintaining industrial growth." 2025-11-28 17:14:25 -
PHOTOS: Korean rice & Liquor festival SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - The “2025 K-Rice Festa,” an event promoting Korean rice-based liquor and processed foods, opened on Friday at Exhibition Hall 1 of KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. The festival runs for three days through to Nov. 30. Hosted by the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (NongHyup), the K-Rice Festa features more than 200 varieties of distilled spirits, makgeolli, yakcheongju and other alcoholic beverages made from domestic rice, as well as a wide range of rice-based processed foods and wines made from Korean agricultural products. Award-winning products from the K-Rice Festa Quality Evaluation Program are also on display. NongHyup reviewed about 780 entries submitted by more than 470 companies and selected 28 outstanding products across seven categories. This year’s festival also emphasizes hands-on activities designed to appeal to visitors of all ages. Programs include the “K-Rice Demon Hunters” talk concert introducing stories of Korean rice and traditional liquor, along with tasting sessions, ingredient-guessing games, and various prize events. 2025-11-28 17:06:15 -
Wemix will be listed on Thailand's largest crypto exchange Bitkub SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - The Wemix Foundation said Friday that its Wemix cryptocurrency will be listed on Bitkub, Thailand’s largest digital asset exchange, with deposits and withdrawals opening on Dec. 1. Bitkub controls about 70 percent of Thailand’s cryptocurrency market and operates under authorization from the Ministry of Finance. The platform lists more than 100 digital assets. The listing marks Wemix’s first official entry into the Thai market and will allow users to trade the token directly in Thai baht. The foundation said the move is expected to increase accessibility for local investors and broaden Wemix’s user base. The launch is also anticipated to strengthen engagement with Wemade’s blockchain-based game Legend of Ymir, which was released globally in October, by bolstering its in-game economy. The Wemix Foundation added that it is continuing to seek listings on major global exchanges as part of efforts to expand its ecosystem. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-11-28 16:28:49 -
Sydney roundtable highlights new opportunities for Australia–Korea clean energy ties SEOUL, November 28 (AJP) - A roundtable focused on strengthening clean energy partnerships between Australia and Korea was hosted in Sydney last Thursday. Hosted by the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AustCham Korea) with support from HWLE Lawyers and Elecseed, the event brought together 25 C-suite executives and senior government officials to explore collaboration opportunities across the clean energy sector. Representatives from major organizations including POSCO Australia, LG Energy Solution Australia, Hanwha Energy Australia, Hyundai Rotem, Hyundai E&C, KEPCO Australia, Korea East-West Power (Australia), GS E&C Australia, Port of Newcastle, PwC, and Elecseed attended the forum. Through presentations and discussions, participants examined cooperation potential in hydrogen, CCUS, ammonia, critical minerals and electrification, drawing on policy, legal and investor insights into market trends and regulatory hurdles. Speakers underscored the need for clearer policy direction, deeper academic analysis and stronger institutional leadership to bolster Australia’s competitiveness as a green energy exporter and a long-term partner for Korea. Attendees also shared updates on ongoing bilateral projects, noting financing challenges, certification and regulatory alignment issues, and grid constraints, while highlighting the complementary strengths of Australia’s natural resource base and Korea’s industrial and engineering capabilities. AustCham Korea Chief Executive Officer Rowan Petz said the roundtable was intended to facilitate high-level dialogue. “This roundtable was created for decision makers who are moving from ambition to actual investment,” Petz said. “We want Korean and Australian companies to engage directly with officials and industry partners to address barriers in project execution.” He added that AustCham Korea will continue to act as a “trusted conduit” for navigating regulatory, technical and commercial issues. David Lee, Partner at HWLE Lawyers and Director of AustCham Korea, emphasized the importance of early engagement. "Foreign investors into Australia seek clarity and consistency," Lee said. "Engaging key stakeholders early fosters effective communication and alignment of expectations." AustCham Korea, established more than 20 years ago, serves as the peak body representing Australian and Korean business interests in Seoul. It supports more than 110 member organizations across energy, infrastructure, resources, finance and technology, working closely with the Australian Embassy, Austrade and state government offices to facilitate market access and policy dialogue. HWLE Lawyers, Australia’s largest legal partnership, advises domestic and international clients on complex transactions and regulatory matters in energy, resources and infrastructure. Elecseed, a renewable energy developer based in Seoul and Brisbane, provides integrated solutions across solar, wind, hydrogen and battery storage, supporting bilateral investment and technology cooperation. Both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 while maintaining energy security and competitiveness. Frameworks such as the Australia–Korea Green Economy Partnership and the Hydrogen Trade and Investment Dialogue continue to expand cross-border cooperation, helping to scale clean energy technologies and support the commercial viability of future projects. 2025-11-28 16:24:28