Coupang's Collective Dispute Resolution Resumes Over Record 624.7 Billion Won Fine

The collective dispute resolution process against Coupang, which was fined a record 624.6 billion won for a personal data leak incident, recommenced on the 12th. This mediation offers an opportunity for users who suffered damages from Coupang's data leak to seek redress.

The Personal Information Protection Commission's Dispute Mediation Committee announced on the 12th that it would merge the two collective dispute resolution applications filed against Coupang and accept additional participant applications until the 26th. The cases, originally filed separately in December last year by 50 individuals including a Mr. Go, and 1,626 individuals including a Mr. Kim, have now been consolidated. Any user who received notification of the data leak from Coupang can apply to participate additionally.

The Dispute Mediation Committee will notify applicants of their eligibility within 10 days of receiving additional applications and will inform the parties of a proposed settlement within 60 days of the application deadline. The mediation will not be established if either party does not accept the proposed settlement.

This measure follows the Personal Information Protection Commission's resolution on the 10th to impose penalties, including a fine, related to Coupang's personal data leak incident. Previously, on February 9th, the Personal Information Commission had temporarily suspended the two related collective dispute resolution cases while investigations were ongoing.

Kang Young-soo, head of the Dispute Mediation Committee, stated that as the proceedings related to Coupang's penalty have concluded, efforts will be made to prepare a swift and fair settlement proposal to protect the rights and interests of data subjects and ensure effective damage relief.