The House Judiciary Committee released a report accusing the left-leaning South Korean government of systematically discriminating against American-owned companies, with a focus on Coupang, a Seattle-based U.S. company often called the "Amazon of Korea." The report claims South Korea, which some lawmakers say is "aligned with China," has used digital laws and competition policies to target American firms and limit their operations.

Coupang faced intense scrutiny following a data breach confirmed last November, which affected roughly 3,000 accounts according to the Korea Internet & Security Agency. In late December, Coupang's interim CEO Harold Rogers testified under oath before the South Korean assembly that the National Intelligence Service instructed the company to retrieve the stolen data. After South Korean officials denied this, they called for Rogers to face perjury charges.

In June, Coupang was fined approximately $410 million by South Korea, marking the largest privacy fine in the country's history. The Judiciary Committee outlined a timeline involving a secret laptop recovery mission and the subsequent legal actions against Coupang's leadership.

The report also notes a political shift in South Korea after the impeachment of conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol in December 2024. His removal followed his decision to impose martial law against what he described as "anti-state forces" led by the Democratic Party. Since then, the government has taken a sharp turn to the left.

Despite the allegations, South Korea has stated it is committed to ensuring a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for all companies regardless of nationality.

Sources