Ho-jun Kang is renowned in the Coupang community for being the youngest Coupang Friend in the company’s history (see full story here). Due to his family’s circumstances, Ho-jun took a leave of absence from college and joined Coupang as a driver at the age of 19.  

While Ho-jun had suffered from a lack of motivation in school, at work, he felt a sense of accomplishment and purpose, even earning the moniker “Captain Kang” for his leadership and ability to navigate even the most complex of delivery routes with ease. Currently, Ho-jun makes an annual salary of 46 million won, over 30% more than the full-time starting salary for college graduates in Korea—something he had never imagined when applying for jobs, given that even entry-level jobs in Korea typically require a college degree and completion of military service. 

Ho-jun, who is currently serving in the military to fulfill his compulsory military service, plans to return to Coupang after he is finished. While he was preparing to enlist, his colleagues surprised him with an “enlistment party,” where they heaped praises on Ho-jun and wished him well.  

“I remember you taking such good care of me when I switched from the day shift to the night shift,” said co-worker Geum-young Soo.  

“Even though he is so young, he has helped so many people as a leader when they faced challenges,” said Jin-eun Seop, another co-worker. “I fully expect him to succeed in military life before he comes back to Coupang.” 

“After serving in the military, I’ll return safe and sound,” Ho-jun said to his colleagues at the event. “Hwaiting!*”