An executive overseeing South Korean operations at Coupang Inc. left the country shortly before police sought to question him over a major personal data breach, drawing renewed scrutiny to how the New York–listed e-commerce company manages regulatory and governance risks outside the U.S.
Harold Rogers, Coupang’s acting chief for Korea, departed South Korea on Jan. 1, one day after appearing before a parliamentary hearing related to the data breach, according to South Korean authorities. Several days later, police formally requested that he appear for questioning connected to the company’s internal handling of the incident, only to discover that he was already overseas.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said its investigative task force has asked the Justice Ministry to alert authorities when Rogers reenters the country and is reviewing whether to impose travel restrictions at that time. Investigators said Rogers did not respond to an initial request to appear on Jan. 5 and that his departure was confirmed the following day while police were preparing a follow-up notice, after continued coordination with his representatives.
For U.S. investors, the episode underscores the risks globally listed companies face when senior executives operating abroad become entangled in local investigations. Coupang, founded in South Korea and listed on the New York Stock Exchange, has built its rapid growth by positioning itself as the country’s dominant e-commerce platform—making regulatory compliance and executive oversight in its home market central to its overseas risk profile.
South Korean authorities said they have also taken immigration-related steps involving other senior figures tied to the company, including Kim Beom-seok, Coupang’s founder and chairman, and Park Dae-joon, a former chief executive.
Beyond the data breach, Coupang is facing multiple investigations in South Korea, including allegations related to the concealment of industrial accidents. Police said they are examining all related matters, highlighting how legal exposure in overseas markets can quickly escalate into broader governance challenges for U.S.-listed companies with substantial operations outside the United States.
