Seoul regrets US report alleging discrimination against Coupang

South Korea's Foreign Ministry has voiced regret over a recent U.S. House report that accuses the South Korean government of discriminatory practices against American companies, specifically citing the e-commerce giant Coupang. The ministry asserts that the report one-sidedly incorporates Coupang's allegations and fails to reflect the government's position accurately.

"The report's claims that our government is conducting discriminatory investigations and imposing unfair regulations on Coupang are contrary to the facts," stated Park Il, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, during a press briefing. He emphasized that investigations and actions taken against Coupang are conducted lawfully and without discrimination, adhering strictly to domestic laws. The government maintains that it ensures a fair business environment for all companies, regardless of nationality.

“

The report's claims that our government is conducting discriminatory investigations and imposing unfair regulations on Coupang are contrary to the facts.

The U.S. House Judiciary Committee released a 35-page report titled 'Blocking Competition: South Korea's Discriminatory Attacks on American-Owned Businesses.' The report alleges that South Korea has targeted American-owned firms for decades, with discriminatory treatment intensifying recently. It specifically framed Coupang's personal data leak incident as an unauthorized access by a disgruntled former employee, suggesting the South Korean government used it as a pretext for a broader offensive against the company.

The ministry plans to continue engaging with the U.S. Congress and administration to provide accurate information and explain South Korea's commitment to the bilateral trade agreement. The government aims to prevent the Coupang issue from negatively impacting broader U.S.-South Korea security discussions. The report, based partly on closed-door testimony from Coupang's Korea representative, is considered an interim document drafted by committee staff, with further hearings and reports anticipated.

“

We express regret that the report released on the 1st (local time) unilaterally reflects Coupang's claims.