A major online shopping firm in South Korea called Coupang has made headlines today after its boss stepped down — because the company suffered a massive data breach that exposed personal information of millions of users. Reuters
Coupang said sorry for the leak — and the resignation shows that big companies must take care when they handle private data. But many people around the world are paying attention: the breach could affect not just today’s shoppers, but also raise questions about how safe shopping and data are online.
The breach reportedly allowed hackers to access user data including names, contact details, and purchase histories. Because Coupang serves millions of customers both in South Korea and abroad, some worried that people’s privacy could be at risk. The company’s CEO accepted full responsibility and resigned, promising a full investigation. Reuters
Experts who follow internet security say this is a “wake-up call” — an example of what can happen when companies don’t protect data carefully enough. For young people especially, it’s a reminder that online shopping sites, games, or social media can sometimes be risky if we share personal details without thinking.
Parents and families are now checking — if you’ve used Coupang recently, or similar platforms — did you get a warning email? Did you change your password after the leak? Are you sure your contact info is still safe?
Even if you live far from South Korea, this matter matters globally. It shows how connected the world is: a problem in one country’s online store can remind all of us — kids, parents and grown-ups — to be careful about what we share online, and always keep our passwords strong.
At KidsGazette, we believe it’s good to know these things — so you can stay safe, smart, and aware.
