Concerns have been raised that the Ministry of Employment and Labor identified potentially illegal actions related to Coupang's alleged concealment of workplace injuries but could not impose penalties due to limitations in current laws. Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon stated, "Although we did not reach the point of prosecution, the state has clearly acknowledged that there were wrongful actions," adding that he agrees on the need for legislative improvements and will actively consider legal amendments.
During a comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Employment and Labor held by the National Assembly's Climate, Energy, Environment, and Labor Committee, Minister Kim expressed his regret to the bereaved family of the late Coupang worker, Jang Deok-jun, who died in October 2020. He noted, "I apologize once again for not being able to fully address the injustice faced by the deceased," and mentioned that there were legislative gaps identified during the investigation.
On the same day, lawmaker Seo Wang-jin of the Justice Innovation Party raised concerns regarding the Ministry's investigation results, referencing the case of the late Jang Deok-jun. He claimed that Coupang officials manipulated data by analyzing CCTV footage to categorize the deceased's activities, such as drinking water or using the restroom, to deny any connection between work and the death.
However, the Ministry forwarded the related case with a recommendation for non-prosecution. Minister Kim explained, "There were issues related to the statute of limitations and various legal principles." The scope of penalties under the current Occupational Safety and Health Act also became a point of contention. Lawmaker Seo pointed out that while Article 57 of the Act prohibits the concealment of workplace injury occurrences, there are insufficient separate penalties for the destruction or falsification of evidence proving the work-relatedness of reported injuries.
Seo emphasized, "While workplace injuries can be reported, there is no accountability for those who destroy or manipulate evidence proving the connection to work," calling for the resolution of legal gaps. Lawmaker Jeong Hye-kyung of the Progressive Party also criticized the Ministry's oversight results and urged for institutional improvements. In response, Minister Kim stated, "Just because we could not regulate by law does not mean that wrongful actions did not occur," adding that the acknowledgment by the state holds significance.
He further noted, "We have already begun reviewing the institutional gaps and the consistency issues between laws identified during the investigation and inquiry process." However, he refuted claims made by lawmaker Jeong that U.S. diplomatic pressure or lobbying influenced the handling of the Coupang case, stating, "There is no relation whatsoever." Minister Kim emphasized that if the investigation results were inadequate, it stemmed from fundamental limitations in current laws.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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