Key facts
- Coupang and its subsidiaries face a combined fine of 1.96 billion won.
- A total of 206 labor and workplace safety violations were found.
- 61 violations will lead to legal action, including lack of safety measures for conveyor belts.
- The fines are for issues like delayed accident reports and inadequate health checks for night workers.
South Korea's labor ministry announced on Thursday, October 22, 2026, that it intends to fine e-commerce giant Coupang and its subsidiaries a total of 1.96 billion won (US$1.5 million) due to over 200 labor and workplace safety violations discovered during an inspection. The inspection identified 206 violations across Coupang, its logistics units, and its logistics centers. Legal action will be pursued for 61 of these violations, including the absence of safety measures for conveyor belts. Fines will be levied for other infractions, such as delays in submitting industrial accident reports and failures to conduct special health checkups for night shift workers. The inspection was initiated following allegations that the company concealed industrial accidents, particularly after the death of logistics center worker Jang Deok-jun in 2020. While a ministry investigation indicated that Coupang founder Kim Bom-suk had instructed an official not to retain records suggesting Jang had worked extensively, legal action on this matter was not possible due to the five-year statute of limitations having passed.