Ministry of Labor Launches Inspection into Coupang over Industrial Accident Concealment Allegations... Investigates Overwork Deaths in Early-Morning Deliveries

The Ministry of Employment and Labor has launched an industrial safety inspection into Coupang, following allegations of overwork-related deaths among early-morning delivery workers and suspicions of concealing industrial accidents.

At the “Agency Heads’ Meeting to Strengthen Industrial Safety” held on March 16, Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Younghoon announced, “We are commencing an inspection of Coupang from today in response to suspicions of concealing industrial accidents and the recent fatal accident.”

This inspection will focus on investigating the suspicions surrounding the case of the late Jeong Seulgi, who passed away on May 28, 2024. Authorities will examine allegations that Coupang requested the bereaved family to sign an agreement not to file for industrial accident compensation, as well as suspicions that the company intervened in the investigation of the accident’s cause in an attempt to conceal the industrial accident.

On the 7th, self-employed groups including the Korea Federation of Foodservice Industry held a rally condemning Coupang on the stairs in front of the National Assembly Main Building. 2026.1.7 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

The ministry also plans to conduct a comprehensive inspection to determine any violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The inspection will cover Coupang’s headquarters, as well as its logistics and delivery subsidiary, Coupang Logistics Service (CLS), among others.

Minister Kim emphasized, “Each office should take strict action in accordance with the law and principles.”

Previously, in January, the ministry also began a labor inspection into Coupang over allegations of illegal dispatch and the creation of a blacklist.

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