Circle Chart Operator Officially Apologizes for May Large-Scale Personal Data Leak Incident... Controversy Over Compensation Plan

The Korea Music Content Association (Music Content Association), which operates the major domestic music chart Circle Chart, officially apologized for the large-scale personal data leak incident that occurred last May and announced a compensation plan for the victims.

According to the music industry on the 17th, the Music Content Association stated through its official website the day before, "We have sent emails containing follow-up measures and compensation plans to the victims of the Circle Chart personal data leak." The association expressed its sincere apologies once again for the inconvenience and concern caused to users.

As a result of this leak incident, a total of 65,394 personal data records, including names, account information, and addresses of Circle Chart website members, were exposed externally. In particular, it was identified that the resident registration numbers and mobile phone numbers of some members were also leaked, indicating a significant scale of damage.

The Music Content Association explained that the agency entrusted with service operation did not delete backup files generated during the personal data encryption process, allowing hackers to access these files and causing the data leak. The association reported the leak to the Personal Information Protection Commission as soon as it became aware of the incident in July, implemented the directives, deleted all personal data it held, and suspended the membership registration function.

Regarding compensation for victims, the Music Content Association proposed providing concert invitation tickets for events organized by the association. However, in the email sent, the Korea Music Content Association stated that due to the nature of being a non-profit corporation, there are limitations to monetary compensation at the level of general profit-making companies, and sought the understanding of its members.