Kang Han-seung, Coupang CEO, "Will Lead South Korea's Digital Transformation"

New Government Highlighted as a Model Case for 'Digital Economy' Policy

At the 'Korea Digital Leap Strategy Announcement Ceremony' held on the 28th at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Gwangju by the Ministry of Science and ICT, Kang Han-seung, CEO of Coupang, is introducing examples of utilizing the company's digital capabilities.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Cheol-hyun] Coupang was highlighted as a leading company in digital innovation, including artificial intelligence (AI), in the government's digital strategy announcement. Coupang announced that it introduced its digital capability utilization cases at the 'Korea Digital Leap Strategy Presentation' held by the Ministry of Science and ICT on the 28th at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Gwangju. The Ministry of Science and ICT unveiled a digital policy blueprint, including the realization of a 'digital economy hegemony nation,' and selected Coupang as a presenter among various private companies.

Kang Han-seung, CEO of Coupang, explained in the presentation, "Over the past 12 years, Coupang has transformed the lives of Korean citizens through digital innovation," adding, "Coupang's Rocket Delivery was made possible thanks to cutting-edge logistics infrastructure that integrates artificial intelligence and automated robot technology." In fact, Coupang invested more than 750 billion KRW last year alone in securing technology and logistics infrastructure and currently operates over 100 logistics facilities in more than 30 regions nationwide.

CEO Kang continued, "Breaking the common belief that digital technology reduces employment, Coupang's digital technology has led to job creation and revitalization of the local economy," and said, "The reason Coupang was able to create the most jobs domestically during the difficult two years of COVID-19 was also due to digital innovation." According to Coupang, AI algorithms optimize product placement and suggest the best movement routes for employees. There are cases where AI-based picking algorithms have reduced workers' labor intensity by up to 40%. CEO Kang emphasized, "Through the digital transformation of the logistics system, we were able to solve both worker safety and efficiency challenges."

This digital innovation by Coupang is expanding not only domestically but also overseas to countries such as Taiwan and Japan. CEO Kang said, "Overseas consumers will be able to easily purchase Korean products through Coupang, serving as an export bridge for domestic small business owners," and added, "Through digital innovation, we will ensure that consumers, workers, small business owners, and local communities all benefit evenly."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.