Desk-Banging, Raised Voices, and “Enough” — Coupang CEO’s Heated Hearing Draws Perjury Probe

Harold Rogers, interim CEO of Coupang, drew sharp attention during a National Assembly hearing last week after repeatedly raising his voice, interrupting lawmakers, and displaying visible irritation while testifying on allegations involving data breaches, unfair trade practices, and labor conditions.

Rogers appeared as a witness at the parliamentary hearing titled *“Investigation into Coupang’s Security Breach, Personal Data Leak, Unfair Trade Practices, and Labor Environment, and Measures to Prevent Recurrence.”* Throughout the session, lawmakers noted his defensive posture and repetitive responses, with several exchanges escalating into open confrontation.

# Dispute Over Interpretation Services

Tensions surfaced early over the use of interpretation services. Although simultaneous interpretation had been prepared following controversy at a previous hearing on December 17—where mistranslation concerns were raised—Rogers insisted on using his personally appointed interpreter rather than the official system.

Despite repeated requests from Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee Chair Choi Min-hee to use the simultaneous interpretation device, Rogers objected, stating, “I want to use my interpreter,” and calling the situation “not normal,” while formally raising an objection.

Chair Choi cited prior issues, explaining that during the earlier hearing, Rogers’ interpreter inaccurately translated his response regarding interest rates offered to small merchants. While Rogers used the term “lowest rate,” it was rendered as “relatively low,” prompting concerns over the accuracy of testimony.

# Repeated Answers and Avoidance of Key Figures

Lawmakers criticized Rogers for providing evasive or circular answers, particularly regarding accountability. When questioned about the role of Coupang founder and Coupang Inc. board chairman Bom Kim, Rogers repeatedly avoided direct references, instead emphasizing his own position as Coupang’s Korea representative.

On questions surrounding the internal investigation into a recent personal data breach, Rogers stated that no independent internal probe had been conducted and that actions were taken only in accordance with government instructions, again sidestepping mention of Kim.

When asked directly whether Chairman Kim bears responsibility for the incident, Rogers responded, “As Coupang’s representative in Korea, I take responsibility,” a reply lawmakers described as irrelevant to the question posed.

# Labor Incident and Emotional Exchanges

During the hearing, Rogers stood to apologize to the family of a delivery worker who died in an accident last month while performing dawn deliveries in Jeju. However, when lawmakers pressed for recognition of the incident as an industrial accident and corresponding compensation, Rogers reiterated that discussions with the family were “ongoing,” repeating the same phrasing multiple times.

As lawmakers demanded clear “yes or no” answers, Rogers interrupted questions, raised his voice, and at times struck the desk with his finger. When questioned about the use of the word “false” in an English-language apology statement, his visibly agitated reaction further intensified the atmosphere.

At one point, after a lawmaker cut off his response, Rogers replied curtly in English, saying, “Enough,” visibly expressing displeasure.

# Allegations of Perjury Emerge

Rogers also repeatedly claimed that his actions in meeting a suspect linked to the data breach were carried out under instructions from the Korean government. This assertion prompted a strong response from the National Intelligence Service (NIS), which publicly denied issuing any such directives.

The NIS stated that it plans to request that the National Assembly file a perjury complaint against Rogers, asserting that Coupang had received no instructions from the agency.

# Next Steps

The National Assembly is scheduled to continue the joint hearing into the “Coupang incident” for a second day. Lawmakers are expected to vote on whether to formally accuse Rogers of perjury. Key figures, including founder Bom Kim, are not expected to attend.

Discussions will continue to focus on the scope of the personal data breach, allegations of unfair trade practices, labor conditions, and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, amid growing scrutiny of Coupang’s corporate governance and accountability.