The Ministry of Employment and Labor has launched a labor inspection of Coupang's headquarters, Coupang Fulfillment Services (CFS), Coupang Logistics Services (CLS), and delivery camps.

On the 16th, the ministry announced that it would deploy 17 labor inspectors to conduct an intensive investigation into allegations including illegal dispatch, the creation and management of a blacklist, and operation of a low-performer exit program (PIP) at Coupang. Since the 5th, it has formed the "Coupang Labor and Occupational Safety and Health Task Force (TF)" and has been preparing for the inspection by conducting preliminary fact-finding and devising detailed supervision plans.

Coupang CLS, Coupang's delivery subsidiary, faces allegations of illegal dispatch, including issuing real-time work orders to delivery drivers (QuickFlexers). Under the dispatch law, it is illegal for employees of the client and the subcontractor to work in a mixed manner or for the client to directly direct and command subcontracted workers.

Coupang CFS, the logistics subsidiary, is suspected of having used a blacklist document known as the "PNG list" to restrict workers' reemployment. Although the ministry launched an investigation after whistleblowing by Kim Jun-ho in February 2024, no compulsory measures such as searches and seizures were carried out for about two years. A recent report by The Kyunghyang Shinmun also revealed indications that in 2020 Coupang operated a blacklist in hiring Coupang Friends (formerly Coupang Men).

The ministry also plans to examine whether Coupang has implemented the "Recommendations for improving safety, health, and working conditions" that it requested in January last year. A separate investigation is underway into allegations of an industrial accident cover-up involving Chairman Kim Beom-seok.

Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon stated, "As we have initiated a labor inspection into illegal dispatch and blacklists, we will once again conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations of violations by Coupang," and added, "If any violations are confirmed, we will take stern action."