Seoul calls US House report on Coupang 'one-sided,' says probe is lawful and non-discriminatory

The South Korean government on Wednesday expressed regret over a US House Judiciary Committee report alleging that Seoul discriminates against American companies, including Coupang, saying the document "unilaterally reflects only Coupang's claims."

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Park Il made the remarks at a regular briefing at the Government Seoul Building, saying the government had "faithfully explained its position" to the Judiciary Committee through ongoing communication.

"The investigation and measures taken against Coupang are being carried out lawfully and without discrimination in accordance with our domestic law, and our government guarantees a fair business environment regardless of nationality," Park said. "The report's claim that our government is continuing discriminatory investigations and unjust regulation against Coupang is therefore not consistent with the facts."

Park added that the government would continue to engage the Judiciary Committee as well as the broader US Congress and administration to convey accurate information, and would actively explain that Seoul is faithfully fulfilling its commitment — set out in a Korea-US joint fact sheet — to treat American digital companies without discrimination.

The government also said it would continue consulting with Washington to ensure that the Coupang issue does not negatively affect security discussions between the two countries.

The congressional report made public Wednesday contained sharp language, including references to "coercive investigation tactics," characterizing South Korea's Fair Trade Commission as "aggressive" toward US companies, and citing a "lack of procedural fairness."

The government views the report as a preliminary working document closer in nature to an interim report, and is expected to continue efforts to explain that the investigation and measures against Coupang constitute a lawful and fair process under domestic law. Additional reports or hearings may follow.

On the potential impact on security consultations, the government is also working to ensure that a second Korea-US security meeting takes place no later than this month, while continuing to coordinate with Washington to prevent the Coupang issue from casting a shadow over the bilateral security dialogue.