Second Day of Coupang Joint Hearing
Democratic Party to Submit Request for Parliamentary Investigation
On the second day of the 'Coupang Joint Hearing' held at the National Assembly on December 31, criticism was focused on Harold Rogers, the acting CEO of Coupang. In particular, sharp remarks were made about Rogers' attitude in responding to questions, with some calling him "arrogant" and "an insolent foreigner."
Assemblyman Jung Ilyoung of the Democratic Party of Korea criticized, "During the questioning (the previous day), Acting CEO Rogers became agitated and even banged on the desk," adding, "He acted in an imperious manner." He continued, "Since Bom Kim, Chairman of Coupang Inc., did not attend, we have no choice but to question Acting CEO Rogers. However, if you intend to disregard the Korean National Assembly, government, and people in this way, you should leave Korea."
The previous day, during the hearing, Acting CEO Rogers responded to a question about the wording of an English apology letter by saying, "We are sincerely cooperating with the Korean government as instructed, but there is misinformation suggesting we are not cooperating," and retorted, "Do you think we acted arbitrarily?" At the time, he appeared visibly agitated, tapping the desk with his finger. When Assemblyman Jung interrupted his answer, Rogers expressed displeasure by saying, "Enough."
Assemblyman Kim Youngbae of the Democratic Party pointed this out, saying, "That is something a witness should never say," and criticized, "He maintained a combative attitude, so we must receive an apology before proceeding."
On this day as well, criticism continued regarding Rogers' attitude in responding to questions. Rogers repeatedly gave evasive answers, prompting Choi Minhee, Chair of the Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, and other committee members to intervene, but Rogers continued to raise his voice and answer. Rogers also responded, "Then why did you select me as a witness?" and "Please allow me to answer."
The hearing committee members repeatedly emphasized the need for follow-up measures, such as prosecuting Rogers for perjury and launching a parliamentary investigation. Assemblywoman Hwang Jeonga of the Democratic Party argued, "This arrogant foreigner should be immediately prosecuted for perjury," and added, "He should also be charged with contempt of the National Assembly for defying the authority of the Republic of Korea."
The previous day, Rogers had suggested that he met with a suspect in a personal data leak case under instructions from the Korean government (the National Intelligence Service), but the National Intelligence Service stated, "We never gave any instructions to Coupang," and requested the National Assembly to prosecute Rogers for perjury.
Assemblyman Oh Gihyung of the Democratic Party said, "I wonder if Coupang thinks that once today's hearing is over, there will be no further controversy," and emphasized, "Follow-up measures such as a parliamentary investigation are necessary."
In response, Chair Choi stated, "The request for a parliamentary investigation has already been signed by 75 assembly members, and it will definitely be submitted today." Kim Hyun, Democratic Party assemblyman and ruling party secretary of the committee, and others plan to submit the Coupang parliamentary investigation request at 2 p.m. today.
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