Police investigating Coupang's personal information leak case estimated the scale of the leak at more than 30 million.
Park Jeong-bo, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner, said on Jan. 26 at a regular press briefing, "It's not confirmed yet, but we believe more than 30 million account information items, including names and emails, were leaked."
Earlier, based on Coupang's own findings, 33.7 million pieces of personal information were leaked, but only 3,000 were actually found on the suspect's laptop.
Commissioner Park said, "Coupang and the police may have different criteria for tallying the personal information leak," but added that the scope of the leak could increase further beyond 30 million.
Police are currently investigating seven allegations, including the personal information leak at Coupang, suspected destruction of evidence during its self-led probe, and occupational negligence resulting in a worker's death.
Police identified A, a former Chinese developer at Coupang, as the key suspect in the personal information leak and are working with the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO, Interpol) to proceed with procedures such as a summons request.
Commissioner Park, however, said, "Because the suspect is a foreign national, there are limits," and added, "If the counterpart country does not cooperate, it is not easy." Park said, "We are continuously requesting criminal justice cooperation with Interpol," and added, "There has been no special response."
Harold Rogers, Coupang's acting chief executive, has also not appeared before police. Police have requested Rogers' appearance three times.
Commissioner Park said, "We are proceeding strictly by the book without exception," but when asked whether police would seek an arrest warrant if Rogers does not comply, Park noted, "There must be grounds," signaling a cautious stance.
Commissioner Park also said regarding claims in the U.S. Congress of discriminatory measures related to Coupang, "Police are investigating according to procedure and principle."