Ministry of Labor Launches Labor Inspection into Coupang over Allegations of Illegal Dispatch and Blacklists

The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced that it will begin labor inspections of Coupang’s headquarters, Coupang CFS, Coupang CLS, and its delivery camps starting January 16.

Previously, Coupang and its affiliates faced numerous allegations of violating labor laws, including illegal dispatch practices, the operation of a low-performer exit program (PIP), and the creation and management of blacklists, as raised in National Assembly hearings and media reports.

Since January 5, the Ministry has established the “Coupang Labor and Industrial Safety Task Force (TF)” at its headquarters, and the “Joint Labor and Industrial Safety Investigation and Inspection TF” at its regional offices, conducting thorough preliminary preparations such as fact-finding investigations and developing detailed inspection plans.

'Changing Workplaces, The Role of Labor Inspectors'

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Photo by Dongju Park - On January 14, 2026, Kim Younghoon, Minister of Employment and Labor, is giving a special lecture during a dialogue with field inspectors at El Tower in Yangjae, Seocho-gu, Seoul. pdj6635@yna.co.kr (End)

Based on these preparations, the Ministry plans to conduct a focused investigation into the raised allegations and will also review whether Coupang has implemented the “Health and Work Environment Improvement Recommendations” requested in January of last year.

In addition, regarding the concealment of industrial accidents and obstruction of cause investigations, a complaint was filed on December 29 of last year, and an intensive investigation is currently underway.

Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Younghoon stated, “As we are launching labor inspections into illegal dispatch practices and blacklists, we will thoroughly investigate Coupang’s alleged violations once again, and if any illegal activities are confirmed, we will take strict action in accordance with the law.”