[THE INVESTOR] In an Uber Eats-like approach, Coupang has launched a new service called “Coupang Flex” to allow anyone over 18 years old to choose the date they want to work for Coupang delivery.

The users can also choose how they want to work depending on whether they want to drive. Those who choose driving can go to Coupang’s logistic center to pick up the packages that need to be delivered. If not, they can assist the Coupang Men. 

Coupang Flex users can work approximately three to four hours per day from 10 a.m. while delivering 50 to 60 packages.

The service is currently available at apartment complexes located in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, and the company plans to expand its business to other parts of Korea.

Despite the positive effect, such as creating more jobs, watchers expressed concerns about how secure it may be, since the system has no way of checking the identify of Coupang Flex users.

According to the Coupang Flex website, users can sign up with just their names, phone numbers and the location they want to work from, and whether they can drive.

“Despite some of the side effects, we still believe in this system because it can create jobs for people who are not in a position to do steady work,” a Coupang spokesperson told The Investor.

By Song Seung-hyun (ssh@heraldcorp.com)