South Korean e-commerce labor regulation debate

The death of Jang Deok-jun, a 27-year-old Coupang night-shift worker who died of a heart attack, has triggered a debate regarding labor conditions and overwork in South Korea’s e-commerce sector. An investigation by Comwel concluded the death was linked to excessive work hours, prompting calls for reforms to the “overnight delivery” model.

In response to these concerns, legislative amendments have been proposed to the Living Logistics Service Industry Development Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. These measures aim to limit night work to 10 hours per day and 48 hours per week, while also restricting continuous work periods and capping monthly night shifts.

However, the Coupang Partners Association (CPA), representing approximately 3,300 contracted drivers, has expressed strong opposition to these regulations. A CPA survey showed that the vast majority of drivers oppose limits on monthly night shifts and weekly hours, fearing significant income loss due to their volume-based pay. The association warned of a “balloon effect” that could shift workloads to daytime hours and suggested that workers would prefer autonomy, a five-day work week, and health checkup support over mandatory hour restrictions.