Foreign Ministry Expresses Regret Over U.S. House 'Coupang Discrimination' Report, Calling It a One-Sided Claim

The South Korean government expressed regret on July 2, stating that claims in a U.S. Congressional report alleging discrimination by the Korean government against U.S. companies such as Coupang are "not true." The government announced its plan to continue explaining its position to the U.S. Congress and administration, while managing the issue to ensure it does not affect South Korea-U.S. security consultations.

Il Park, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held a briefing at the Government Complex Seoul and said, "The report's claim that discriminatory investigations and unfair regulations against Coupang are ongoing is not true," adding, "We regret that the report released by the Judiciary Committee on July 1 only reflects Coupang's arguments unilaterally."

Spokesperson Park emphasized, "Our government has consistently communicated with the U.S. Judiciary Committee and has thoroughly explained our position," and added, "Investigations and actions regarding Coupang are conducted lawfully and non-discriminatorily in accordance with our domestic laws. Our government guarantees a fair business environment for all companies, regardless of nationality."

He continued, "The government will continue to engage with the Judiciary Committee, as well as the U.S. Congress and administration, to provide accurate information and actively explain that our government is faithfully fulfilling its commitment, as stated in the South Korea-U.S. Joint Fact Sheet (JFS), to treat U.S. digital companies without discrimination." He added, "The government will also continue consultations with the U.S. side to ensure that issues related to Coupang do not negatively affect security discussions between South Korea and the United States."

The U.S. House Judiciary Committee released a 35-page report titled "Blocking Competition: Korea's Discriminatory Attacks on American-Owned Companies" on July 1 (local time). About half of the report focuses on the Coupang case and contains one-sided claims that the Korean government discriminated against Coupang and other U.S. companies. These claims were included despite the South Korean government's continuous efforts to communicate its position to the U.S. Congress.

As this report is an Interim Staff Report rather than a final version, there is a possibility that similar reports or related hearings may be conducted in the future. Recently, the U.S. Congress has shown stronger interest and taken a tougher stance regarding regulations and treatment of U.S. companies operating overseas. For example, it has held hearings and sanctioned officials related to the European Union's Digital Services Act.

The government plans to monitor the overall atmosphere within the U.S. Congress and respond accordingly. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official stated, "We will continue to clarify our position and strive to ensure that it does not create a burden on South Korea-U.S. relations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.