South Korea Denies Unfair Treatment of US Digital Firms

(MENAFN) South Korea has pushed back against allegations from US lawmakers that American companies are being treated unfairly, stating that it maintains a “non-discriminatory policy toward U.S. digital firms,” according to officials.

The response comes after more than 50 Republican members of the US Congress called on Seoul last month to halt what they described as unfair regulatory treatment targeting American companies, including US-listed e-commerce firm Coupang.

The dispute is linked in part to South Korean authorities launching an investigation into Coupang and related transactions involving its US headquarters following a major data breach.

The company disclosed that personal information of 33.7 million customers had been exposed, including names, phone numbers, email addresses, and delivery details.

According to South Korea’s Foreign Ministry, its embassy in the United States has formally responded to a letter sent to South Korean Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha, emphasizing that all investigations and regulatory actions involving Coupang are being carried out fairly and without discrimination, in accordance with domestic laws and procedures, as reported by news agency.

A ministry official further stated that Seoul will continue to uphold equal treatment for US digital companies operating in the country and will actively communicate its position to the US Congress in order to clarify its regulatory approach.

The statement reflects Seoul’s effort to ease political tensions while maintaining that its legal processes apply equally to both domestic and foreign firms operating in its digital economy sector.

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