[Unofficial translation provided by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre]

““Sorry for the widespread use”… Coupang apologises for creating blacklist for the first time.” 21 January 2025

Coupang executives, including CEO Kang Han-seung, Coupang Logistics Services (CLS) CEO Hong Yong-jun, and Coupang Fulfillment Services (CFS) CEO Jeong Jong-cheol, have formally apologised for creating an "employment restriction blacklist" for the first time…

… The Coupang blacklist stems from allegations surrounding CFS, which reportedly maintained a document listing the names, contact details, and reasons for employment exclusion of 16,450 workers who passed through its logistics centres over a six-year period starting in September 2017. Last year, it was also revealed that the blacklist included union members, leaders, and journalists who had criticised Coupang's working conditions, sparking controversy.

… In response to questions from lawmaker Kim regarding whether Coupang would retract lawsuits and criminal complaints against the media outlets that reported critically on the company and whistleblowers, CEO Jeong confirmed, "Yes," and pledged to immediately drop the legal actions.

… Critics have also raised concerns that the blacklist has been used as a tool to control workers, potentially exacerbating overwork. Lawmaker Kim stated, "The most malicious aspect of Coupang’s blacklist is that workers feel pressured to overwork themselves to avoid being blacklisted," adding that this ultimately leads to late-night shifts and excessive fatigue for delivery workers and couriers.