Prosecutor Breaks Down During Audit, Exposing Alleged External Pressure in Coupang Investigation

Prosecutor Moon Ji-seok Breaks Down During Audit, Exposing Alleged External Pressure in Coupang Investigation

On October 16, 2025, during a parliamentary audit of the Ministry of Employment and Labor, Prosecutor Moon Ji-seok of the Gwangju District Prosecutors' Office testified about the unfair external pressure he faced during the Coupang investigation, bursting into tears and causing a significant uproar. Prosecutor Moon stated that he faced difficulties due to unfair instructions from his superiors while handling the Coupang case as a prosecutor at the Bucheon Branch of the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office. In particular, Prosecutor Moon expressed serious concerns about Coupang's introduction of the 'reset rule' in May 2023, which invalidated previous work periods for those working less than 15 hours per week. He proceeded with an investigation but claimed that he was unable to conduct a proper investigation due to opposition from higher-ups. According to Prosecutor Moon, he believed that Coupang's 'reset rule' was an unfair practice that seriously infringed on workers' rights and advocated for indictment. However, then-Bucheon Branch Chief Prosecutor Eom Hee-jun allegedly ignored this and issued a no-charge order to the assigned prosecutor. This instruction caused great frustration to Prosecutor Moon, who said he worked to uncover the truth without succumbing to undue pressure from above. Prosecutor Moon also mentioned that then-Deputy Chief Prosecutor of the Bucheon Branch, Kim Dong-hee, had a close relationship with a Kim & Chang law firm lawyer, raising the possibility of undue external influence during the investigation. Kim allegedly asked Prosecutor Moon about the Coupang search and seizure plan and said, 'The Supreme Prosecutors' Office wouldn't like it if they knew.' This could be interpreted as blatant pressure on the investigation. Prosecutor Moon stated that he formally objected to the unfair interference of Chief Prosecutor Eom Hee-jun and Deputy Chief Prosecutor Kim Dong-hee, but it was not accepted. Prosecutor Moon's testimony has further amplified suspicions about the Coupang investigation, and voices calling for a thorough investigation are growing in the political arena. In particular, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Joo-young called for the abolition of unfair employment rules and demanded prompt payment of overdue wages. In response, Coupang CFS CEO Jung Jong-cheol responded that he would restore the existing employment rules, but Prosecutor Moon argued that the rule restoration was fortunate, but Coupang should be indicted because only 8 out of thousands had filed complaints. Prosecutor Moon's argument is interpreted as emphasizing the need to properly recognize Coupang's problems and protect workers' rights through active investigation. Meanwhile, Lee Jae-myung, the leader of South Korea, visited Paris Baguette on July 28, 2025, and asked SPC Chairman Hur Young-in about the working environment. Lee Jae-myung asked Chairman Hur questions such as 'Should 150% be paid for the 8 hours exceeding 12 hours of work?' and 'Should 200% be paid until 6 a.m., including night allowance?' He revealed his commitment to improving the working environment of workers. In addition, Lee Jae-myung speculated that 'Is the total wage so low that no one wants to work only 8 hours?' emphasizing the need to solve the low-wage problem. In response, Chairman Hur Young-in replied, 'Night work costs more, and there is wage compensation in terms of total salary, so we are negotiating through labor-management agreements.' Lee Jae-myung also asked Chairman Hur about the 'time of the accident,' and Chairman Hur replied '2:50 a.m.' Chairman Hur then explained 'a 3-team, 2-shift system.' Lee Jae-myung asked, 'Do you rest when the machine stops?' Chairman Hur replied, 'The machine continues to operate, but stops for 20 minutes during mixing.' Lee Jae-myung pointed out, 'That is not a rest, but inevitable for work.' It was also confirmed that the work line is stopped for 20 minutes every 4 hours. In this way, Lee Jae-myung is making efforts to inspect the working environment and identify problems by directly visiting the site. Attention is focused on whether these efforts will bear fruit and improve workers' rights. Prosecutor Moon Ji-seok's revelations and Lee Jae-myung's field visit are expected to be an important opportunity to improve the working environment in our society.