Feb 15 • 10:45 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

US House committee accuses Korea of targeting Coupang to ‘advantage’ domestic firms

The US House Judiciary Committee plans to investigate the Korean government's treatment of Coupang, claiming it discriminates against American companies.

The US House Judiciary Committee has raised concerns over the South Korean government's actions against Coupang, alleging that these actions are intended to provide an unfair advantage to domestic companies. The committee is asserting that the scrutiny Coupang has faced, particularly in light of a significant data breach, constitutes discrimination and may violate principles of fair competition. In response to Prime Minister Kim Min-seok’s defense of the country's actions, a committee spokesperson stated that this alleged targeting reveals a troubling pattern of foreign countries penalizing innovative American firms.

The committee's inquiry is also expected to include the recent subpoena issued to Coupang's interim CEO Harold Rogers, which South Korean officials claim is based on distorted information. The implications of this situation could be far-reaching, potentially resulting in new legislative measures intended to protect American companies from perceived unfair treatment abroad. The situation exemplifies the increasing scrutiny on the intersection of international trade policies and competitive business practices between the United States and South Korea.

As the investigation proceeds, it will be crucial to monitor how both nations respond to the findings and whether this leads to significant policy changes in the treatment of foreign companies operating within South Korea. The dialogue surrounding this issue could impact not only Coupang but also other foreign firms and reciprocal actions that may arise between US and Korean markets, emphasizing the delicate balance in international business relations.

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