Industry Minister Kim Jong-gwan stated that he received responses from the US confirming that if the special investment law related to the US is processed as scheduled in the National Assembly, the US is unlikely to raise tariffs on Korean products. Following his return from the US, where he met key officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Rutnik, Kim noted that there seems to be a positive evaluation of South Korea's legislative efforts and their implications for tariff policies. He reiterated that government actions on the special investment law would dissuade the US from imposing tariffs, reflecting an ongoing diplomatic exchange aimed at improving bilateral trade relations.

Regarding the petition filed by Coupang's investors for an investigation under US Trade Law Section 301, Minister Kim indicated that it is difficult to make predictions about whether the US Trade Representative (USTR) will initiate an inquiry. During meetings with US officials, including USTR Jamison Greer, both sides discussed strategies to avoid such investigations, emphasizing that the South Korean government's approach is anchored in legal and procedural fairness. This reflects a careful diplomatic strategy by the Korean government to handle potential trade disputes and investor concerns effectively.

The backdrop of this situation includes previous claims from Coupang’s US investors, who argued that the South Korean government's regulations were punitive and discriminatory towards the company. Given that Section 301 allows for significant retaliatory tariffs against foreign governments deemed to impose unfair trade practices, Kim's statements indicate a proactive stance by the South Korean government to address these allegations and reinforce their position that the investigations are not warranted. This delicate balancing act is critical as it seeks to maintain favorable trade ties with the US while safeguarding local companies from punitive actions and ensuring fair treatment within international trade frameworks.