Joo Byungki on U.S. Coupang Report: "Strict Measures Regardless of Nationality"... Apologizes for 'SNS Controversy' After Two Months

Chair Joo Appears Before Political Affairs Committee

"Applying the Same Standards to Coupang, Baedal Minjok, and Naver"

The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has directly refuted recent claims by the U.S. government and Congress that the Korean government is imposing “discriminatory sanctions against Coupang,” stating, “We apply the same standards to all platforms, regardless of nationality.”

“Claims of Discrimination Against U.S. Companies Are Baseless... Coordinated Government-Wide Response With Foreign Ministry”

Yonhap News

On July 28, KFTC Chair Joo Byung-ki attended a full session of the National Assembly’s Political Affairs Committee and responded to a question regarding the U.S. criticism report about Coupang. He stated, “The KFTC enforces the law equally not only on Coupang, but also on domestic platform operators such as Baedal Minjok and Naver,” adding, “We will continue to respond strictly, without any discrimination based on nationality.”

Some quarters, including the U.S. Congress, have recently issued reports suggesting the KFTC’s investigation of Coupang constitutes a “discriminatory attack” on a U.S.-owned company. In response, Chair Joo drew a clear line while emphasizing the legitimacy of the investigation’s timing. He explained, “Apart from last year’s Coupang personal data breach, there have been ongoing investigations into other issues since before that incident. The Foreign Ministry is spearheading a government-wide response, and the KFTC is closely cooperating and sharing relevant information regarding investigations and deliberations.”

This position signals a diplomatic calibration mindful of potential trade friction while stressing that there will be no compromise in enforcing fair competition laws in the platform market.

‘Criticism of Gangnam 3 Districts’ Voting Rate’ SNS Controversy... Apology After Two Months

Meanwhile, Chair Joo has issued an official apology for a controversial personal statement he posted on social media shortly after the local elections on June 3, which sparked controversy over violating political neutrality. Last month, on Facebook, Joo referred to Seoul’s three Gangnam districts and other areas with high People Power Party vote shares, saying, “It’s bitter to see citizens exercising their rights in such perfect alignment with the order of money” and “Is this blind faith so strong that even inciting rebellion wouldn’t matter?” After public backlash, he deleted the comments.

When Shindonguk, a People Power Party legislator, pointed out that Joo had violated the obligation of election neutrality as a public official, Joo bowed his head and said, “I deeply regret having caused concern to the public due to my careless post.” He went on to clarify, “It was a comment left on an acquaintance’s post in a private conversational context, and I did not expect the controversy to become so widespread.”

“Investigation Into Sdeume Extra Fee Practice Coming Soon”... Crackdown on Retiring Officials Moving to Law Firms

Regarding livelihood issues, Joo addressed widespread complaints from engaged couples concerning the opaque “hidden surcharge” practices in the wedding services market. In response to criticism from Kim Hyeonjeong, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party, Joo said, “We have been monitoring contract practices in the wedding service (studio, dress, makeup) market since April,” and added, “Based on the results found so far, we may soon begin investigations into major operators.” While the prices of 252 companies are currently disclosed via the Korea Consumer Agency’s “Chamgagyeok” platform, Joo indicated that the Fair Trade Commission plans to conduct rigorous field investigations and impose strict sanctions as needed.

Addressing recent criticism over the increasing number of former KFTC officials moving to law firms, Joo analyzed the trend as “a result of growing demand in the market, as fair trade-related cases have surged.” However, he also stressed, “I take these concerns seriously and will strictly manage internal discipline and relevant systems.” Joo flatly denied any plans to join a law firm himself regarding his own future path.

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