"Coupang Not Used" Coupang Concealed Confirmed Cases, Will the 'Boycott Movement' Spread?

Over 90 Confirmed Cases Related to Coupang Logistics Center in Bucheon, Gyeonggi
Logistics Center Effectively Closed from 28th
Consumers Launch Boycott
Gyeonggi Province: "Not a Situation for Legal Sanctions"

On the afternoon of the 27th, a notice informing the suspension of operations was posted on the fence of the Coupang Bucheon Logistics Center in Ojeong-dong, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] "We boycott Coupang," "Take responsibility for neglecting large-scale infections."

As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak originating from Coupang's logistics center in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province spreads into a large-scale cluster infection, signs of a boycott movement are emerging among consumers.

This is because it was revealed that Coupang knew about confirmed COVID-19 cases within the logistics center but did not inform employees and continued operations.

According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) on the 29th, as of 11 p.m. the previous day (28th), the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases related to the Bucheon Coupang logistics center exceeded 90. This is an increase from 82 cases as of 11 a.m. the same day, within just half a day.

Criticism continues regarding Coupang's inadequate quarantine management and response after the first confirmed case. Due to the nature of logistics center work, it is difficult to comply with preventive measures such as wearing masks and social distancing, so the company should have prepared countermeasures.

In particular, it was revealed that even on the 25th, the day before the voluntary closure of the logistics center following the first confirmed case on the 23rd, Coupang sent messages seeking workers who could come to work. Consumers have responded by shouting "We will not use Coupang" and calling for a boycott.

Consumers are expressing their intention to boycott Coupang through their social media and portal site comments. As of around 8 a.m. on the 29th, there were about 250 posts on Instagram with hashtags such as 'CoupangBoycott', 'JoinCoupangBoycott', and 'StartCoupangBoycott'.

A housewife in her 50s, Ms. A, criticized, "If Coupang had responded properly at the beginning, the large-scale infection would not have spread. Since they even recruited additional workers after the first confirmed case, it is natural to hold them accountable for such actions."

B (28), an office worker who frequently used Coupang Rocket Fresh, said, "The company must take responsibility for harming public health for economic gain," adding, "Local governments should also take measures such as filing complaints to hold them accountable. Only then will other companies strengthen prevention."

He continued, "They only thought about immediate losses but ended up causing bigger damage. I don't know about others, but I will boycott for now," adding, "Moreover, if orders continue even in this situation, the operation will keep forcing others to fill in despite confirmed cases. To prevent such situations, I think a boycott is necessary."

Experts understand the boycott movement but suggest that concrete government support and directives must back it up.

Professor Lee Eun-hee of Inha University's Department of Consumer Studies said, "I believe consumers' boycott movement is justified," but added, "While companies should voluntarily implement quarantine measures, the government should have taken preemptive actions such as sending detailed guidelines."

Professor Lee emphasized again, "The government should provide detailed guidelines not only to companies but also to small business owners, helping them implement voluntary quarantine measures. The government should also issue warnings to ensure companies comply."

Meanwhile, Gyeonggi Province has issued a two-week assembly ban administrative order on the Bucheon Coupang Fresh Logistics Center (Second Factory) but considers prosecution unlikely.

On the 28th, Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung said at an emergency press conference at the provincial office, "There are reports that Coupang continued operations despite being notified of confirmed cases, exposing many people to risk, but these actions are considered normal circumstances and cannot be sanctioned," adding, "For example, if they violated an administrative order, that would be different, but delays or neglect without such violations cannot be legally penalized."

He added, "The assembly ban order on a specific company's activities is an unavoidable measure to avoid the worst-case scenario of a full shutdown and can be implemented anytime and anywhere when necessary," and urged, "Considering the serious situation threatening the health and lives of all citizens, I ask the company to take more responsibility and thoroughly implement quarantine measures."