South Korean Assembly Speaker slams US lawmakers' letter on Coupang as 'interference'

Hankyoreh reports on the strong rebuke from National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik directed at U.S. Republican lawmakers who sent a letter urging South Korea to cease 'discriminatory regulations' against Coupang. Woo unequivocally labeled the U.S. lawmakers' actions as "blatant interference in internal affairs," asserting that such demands are "unacceptable."

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It is blatant interference in internal affairs. It is an unacceptable matter.

Woo's sharp criticism stems from the belief that the U.S. lawmakers' letter disregards South Korea's legal sovereignty. He pointed to alleged "massive personal information leaks" and "algorithmic manipulation" by Coupang as clear violations of existing South Korean laws. Woo questioned whether U.S. authorities would remain indifferent if a South Korean company engaged in similar activities within the United States, highlighting a perceived double standard.

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If our companies did such things in the U.S., would the U.S. remain silent?

Furthermore, Woo stressed the principle that any company operating and profiting within South Korea is obligated to adhere to its laws and respect its government's actions. He interpreted the U.S. lawmakers' stance as an attempt to profit in Korea while disregarding Korean public sentiment and legal frameworks. The Speaker's firm message to Coupang was to "behave with courtesy towards the Korean people."

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If you want to make money in Korea, you must obey Korean laws and follow the government's measures.

This incident underscores a recurring tension in South Korea's economic relationship with the U.S., where domestic regulations and legal proceedings involving major foreign corporations can become subjects of international diplomatic pressure. From a South Korean perspective, as represented by Speaker Woo, such external interference is seen not only as a challenge to national sovereignty but also as an affront to the integrity of its legal system and its right to regulate businesses operating within its borders. The Hankyoreh, by giving prominence to Woo's strong reaction, reflects a national sentiment that prioritizes domestic law and autonomy over foreign corporate interests when they appear to conflict with national regulations.

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This is an attitude of wanting to make money in Korea freely and disregard the feelings of the Korean people.