South Korea

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Jan. 16, 2026 | North Korea

Businesspeople with investments in suspended inter-Korean projects urged the South Korean government on January 14, 2026, to lift the unilateral sanctions imposed in 2010 that ban joint businesses with North Korea. Ten organizations representing investors in the Kaesong Industrial Complex and the Mount Kumgang tourist zone made the request at a press conference, calling for the resumption of legal business activities despite ongoing difficulties in inter-Korean dialogue.

The sanctions were originally enacted on May 24, 2010, under the Lee Myung-bak administration following the North Koreans' torpedoing of the South Korean Navy frigate Cheonan. These measures suspended trade, investment, and assistance programs with North Korea, except humanitarian aid, severely impacting companies involved in inter-Korean economic projects. Business leaders argued that lifting the sanctions would open economic lifelines for the private sector at a time when government-to-government dialogue remains challenging.

The businessmen also noted North Korea's increasing economic engagements with China and Russia, expressing their intention to pursue direct or indirect business with North Korea once South Korea's sanctions are lifted. The Unification Ministry is reportedly considering easing the 2010 sanctions to improve inter-Korean relations, though any change would likely be symbolic due to ongoing international sanctions by the United Nations Security Council that continue to restrict business with Pyongyang.

Chosun Ilbo | English | News | Jan. 16, 2026 | Privacy

The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) has called on Coupang to immediately stop publicly announcing the results of its internal investigation into a personal information leakage incident on its app and website. During a full meeting on January 14, 2026, the PIPC reviewed Coupang’s overall response and criticized the company for independently contacting a former employee suspected as the leaker, obtaining unilateral statements, and presenting these as confirmed findings through public announcements, which could mislead the public and obstruct an accurate understanding of the incident.

The PIPC also highlighted that Coupang’s announcements contradicted prior improvement requests issued on December 3 and 10 of the previous year. It warned that sharing unconfirmed or distorted information risks confusing the public and impedes data subjects from exercising their rights. The commission further noted that Coupang’s previous efforts to comply with improvement recommendations were largely superficial and inadequate, thus requiring more substantial measures.

The PIPC requested Coupang to implement a personal information leakage inquiry feature within its app and website and to notify affected data subjects listed in the delivery address information promptly. Additionally, the commission pointed out that Coupang repeatedly delayed or failed to submit requested materials during the investigation, cautioning that such conduct could be seen as obstruction and might lead to harsher disciplinary action in the future. The PIPC strongly urged Coupang to prevent any recurrence of these issues.

Yonhap | English | News | Jan. 16, 2026 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo has engaged with U.S. lawmakers and officials in Washington to ease concerns over South Korea's investigation into a major data breach at American-listed Coupang Inc. Yeo emphasized that the investigation, which is based on related laws, should not be misinterpreted as a trade dispute between South Korea and the U.S. During his meetings, Yeo addressed concerns from U.S. policymakers who described Korean regulatory actions toward Coupang and other U.S. tech firms as potentially discriminatory.

Coupang, founded by Korean American Bom Kim, recently experienced a data leak affecting around 34 million customers, or nearly two-thirds of South Korea's population. Despite being U.S.-listed, the company generates 90 percent of its sales in Korea. Yeo also discussed broader trade issues, including non-tariff barriers and the implications of a pending U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the legality of reciprocal tariffs imposed during the Trump administration.

In talks with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Yeo stressed the importance of South Korea not facing discriminatory treatment in light of the Supreme Court's decision, highlighting South Korea's status as one of the few countries with a trade agreement with the U.S. Yeo concluded by reaffirming Seoul's commitment to maintaining open communication with the U.S. government, Congress, and industries to manage risks related to digital trade and tariff policies.