Coupang Case: Prosecutors to Testify in Pressure Allegations

The trial of prosecutors Um Hee-jun and Kim Dong-hee, who are accused of exerting pressure in the decision not to prosecute the Coupang severance pay case, is set to include testimony from prosecutor Moon Ji-seok in August. The court plans to investigate the facts surrounding the allegations raised by Moon during a National Assembly audit.

On June 16, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 28, led by Judge Han Dae-kyun, held a second hearing for Um and Kim, who face charges of abuse of power. The court scheduled two dates for witness testimony from Moon on August 18 and 25. The Special Prosecutor's Team, led by Special Prosecutor Ahn Kwon-seop, indicated they would allocate about four hours for questioning Moon, while each of the defense teams for Um and Kim would also spend a few hours.

The court also set dates for questioning Shin Ga-hyun, the lead prosecutor at the time. The court noted, "While it is possible to conduct witness questioning through mediation, there are sharply conflicting facts that necessitate direct questioning." Testimony from Shin is tentatively scheduled for October 6 and 13, with further scheduling to be determined.

The allegations surrounding the Coupang severance pay case stem from claims that Coupang Fulfillment Services (CFS) changed its severance pay criteria in 2023, leading to unpaid severance. Despite a recommendation for prosecution from the Central Region Labor Office, the Incheon District Prosecutor's Office in Bucheon decided not to prosecute, raising suspicions of external pressure. Moon, who handled the case, sparked controversy during a National Assembly audit by alleging upper-level interference. The Special Prosecutor's Team subsequently indicted Um and Kim on charges of abuse of power, believing they were part of the "higher-ups" involved.

Um Hee-jun argued during the first hearing on May 20 that the Special Prosecutor's conclusion was based on a "false, manipulated, and illegal investigation" that omitted crucial evidence. Kim Dong-hee also denied the allegations, asserting that the decision not to prosecute Coupang was made legitimately through established legal principles.