Coupang's interim CEO appears for questioning over massive data breach

By Park Jong-ho Posted : January 30, 2026, 15:09 Updated : January 30, 2026, 17:10
Harold Rogers (center), e-commerce giant Coupang's interim chief speaks to reporters as he arrives at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in central Seoul on Jan. 30, 2026. Yonhap
SEOUL, January 30 (AJP) - Harold Rogers, e-commerce giant Coupang's interim chief in South Korea, appeared for questioning in Seoul on Friday over allegations related to a massive data breach detected late last year.

Rogers arrived at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Jongno, central Seoul, at around 2 p.m. and said, "Coupang has fully cooperated and will continue to fully cooperate with all investigations."

But he declined to comment further, despite a barrage of questions by reporters.

Rogers is accused of obstructing official duties by allegedly destroying evidence during an internal investigation into the data leak, which is estimated to have affected over 3,000 users and exposed their sensitive personal information. He has also faced allegations of covering up several industrial accidents.

His appearance comes after he failed to appear for two previous summonses, as he had left the country early this month and only returned last week.

Police are expected to question him about why the company conducted an internal probe instead of involving official authorities, and how it contacted a former employee who is suspected as a suspect. They are also expected to investigate whether there were any attempts to destroy evidence.
 
Union members and other workers protest outside the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in central Seoul on Jan. 30, 2026. Photo by Aju Business Daily Park Jong-ho
Ahead of Rogers' appearance, union members and other workers gathered to protest, calling on Coupang to "sincerely apologize" to South Koreans and to the families of workers who died while working.

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