Prosecutors in South Korea have brought charges against former Chief Prosecutor Eom Hee-jun and Deputy Chief Prosecutor Kim Dong-hee as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged external pressures influencing the Coupang severance pay case. The special prosecutor's team alleges that Eom and Kim illegally exerted pressure on subordinate prosecutors to dismiss charges against Eom Seong-hwan, the former CEO of Coupang Fulfillment Service, who was accused of violating labor laws regarding severance payments. Additionally, Eom has been charged with perjury for allegedly making false statements to the National Assembly regarding the case.

The investigation comes in the wake of accusations that Coupang Fulfillment Service changed its employment rules to the detriment of workers and failed to pay severance benefits. Initially, the case was sent to the prosecution by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, which found that Coupang violated labor laws. However, despite evidence, the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office decided not to pursue charges, prompting allegations that Eom had manipulated evidence and pressured a dismissal of the case. These developments have cast a shadow over the integrity of the judicial process regarding labor rights and corporate accountability.

Further complicating the situation, the special prosecutor’s team is examining potential misconduct by Deputy Chief Prosecutor Kim, particularly his connections to a lawyer representing Coupang, suggesting that he may have leaked confidential information related to the case. Although these allegations are under investigation, they have not yet resulted in formal charges. This scandal raises significant questions about the extent of interference in judicial processes and the protection of workers' rights in South Korea, particularly in light of the negative implications for many employees who may have been affected by Coupang's corporate practices.