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Photo courtesy of Coupang |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Youngtaek] Seoul, August 26, 2025 — Labor unions are demanding stronger oversight of Coupang Fulfillment Services following a series of fatal incidents at its logistics centers. According to the Nationwide Logistics Center Branch of the Public Transport Workers’ Union, a total of 23 Coupang workers have died since 2020.
During a recent press conference held in front of the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office, union representatives urged the Ministry of Employment and Labor to launch a special labor inspection into Coupang, calling for a thorough investigation into the causes of the deaths.
Despite the reported 23 worker deaths since 2020, Coupang has not faced a single case under the Serious Accidents Punishment Act. Critics argue that company leadership has avoided accountability.
Bom Suk Kim, Coupang’s founder, resigned from all official positions at the company’s Korean corporate entity, including CEO and Chairman of the Board, effectively placing himself outside the scope of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.
Attorney Hye-kyung Kim of Yeojeong Law Firm explained, “Since founder Bom Suk Kim stepped down from all registered positions within the Korean corporation, he is not legally recognized as a ‘responsible management officer.’ Without such designation, it is extremely difficult to apply the law to him.” She added, “To impose liability, it must be proven that he retained actual decision-making authority and safety management responsibilities. Without a formal position, establishing this is nearly impossible, which in effect grants immunity.”
Union leaders further claimed that Coupang’s employment system is deliberately structured to discourage workers from filing for industrial accident claims, thereby allowing the company to bypass accountability under the law.
Jung Sung-yong, head of the Nationwide Logistics Center Branch of the Public Transport Workers’ Union, stated: “Coupang’s employment structure makes it difficult for workers to apply for industrial accident compensation. It appears designed to help the company evade the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.”
Alphabiz 김영택 기자(sitory0103@alphabiz.co.kr)
