Kim Beom-suk, Coupang Inc. chair, submitted a written statement explaining his absence to the National Assembly's joint hearing addressing the Coupang personal data leak. Kim cited "an unavoidable schedule" as the reason for his absence.
Choi Min-hee, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker and chairperson of the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, on the 28th posted the written statement explaining his absence from Kim and his younger brother Kim Yu-seok, a Coupang vice president, and from Kang Han-seung, former Coupang CEO, on Facebook.
In the statement, Kim said, "I am currently residing overseas, and it is difficult to attend the hearing on Dec. 30 and 31 due to unavoidable reasons stemming from previously scheduled commitments." Vice President Kim said, "I am currently abroad on business, and my overseas business schedule for Dec. 30 and 31 was confirmed in advance, making it difficult to change." Former CEO Kang said it is difficult to speak for Coupang because he resigned as CEO.
Chairperson Choi, regarding their written statement explaining his absence, said, "Isn't the most important matter for Coupang right now the incidents arising from its business in Korea, including the personal data breach? What commitments could possibly take precedence over such a major matter?" Choi added, "They continue to disrespect and make a mockery of the Republic of Korea, the people, and the National Assembly."
The National Assembly will hold the Coupang hearing on the 30th–31st in a joint session of five standing committees, centered on the Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, along with the National Policy Committee, Land Infrastructure and Transport Committee, Climate, Energy, Environment and Labor Committee, and Strategy and Finance Committee.