US Senator criticizes South Korea's government, citing 'ungrateful' actions against US firms like Coupang

U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno has sharply criticized the South Korean government, accusing it of "ungratefully" weaponizing its state power against American companies. Moreno, a Republican, has formally requested the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) initiate an investigation into South Korea's regulatory and investigative actions, particularly targeting the e-commerce firm Coupang.

In a letter to USTR Representative Jamieson Greer, Moreno urged immediate action against what he described as South Korea's persistent and aggressive targeting of U.S. businesses. He alleged that South Korea discriminates against American companies through excessive fines, criminal prosecution of executives, and biased regulatory enforcement.

Moreno invoked the memory of the approximately 37,000 American lives lost during the Korean War and the subsequent U.S. aid for South Korea's security and economic development. "I will not stand idly by while Seoul ungratefully weaponizes government power against innovative companies driving our bilateral economy," he stated.

Coupang was presented as a prime example, with Moreno detailing how the company faced investigations from 10 South Korean government agencies, threats of business suspension, substantial fines, and criminal charges against executives, including U.S. citizens, following a 2025 data breach. While acknowledging the need for investigation into the data breach itself, Moreno argued that South Korea used this incident as a pretext for broader state power against a U.S. firm, violating the spirit and letter of recent U.S.-South Korea trade agreements.

He called on the USTR to launch a formal investigation, utilize trade law Section 301 if necessary, and prepare for proportional responses under the trade agreement. Section 301 allows the USTR to investigate and take action against foreign government practices deemed unfair or discriminatory.

“

I will not stand idly by while Seoul ungratefully weaponizes government power against innovative companies driving our bilateral economy.