Suh Samsok Wins Outstanding National Assembly Audit Member Award for 8 Consecutive Years

Questioning Coupang's Unfair Practices and Rural Disparities

Suh Samsok, Member of the National Assembly.

Suh Samsok, a member of the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Yeongam, Muan, and Sinan in South Jeolla Province), received the 'Outstanding National Assembly Audit Member Award' for the eighth consecutive year during the 2025 National Assembly audit.

The Democratic Party of Korea annually selects lawmakers who have faithfully addressed livelihood and reform issues and have made tangible improvements to government policies through the National Assembly audit, awarding them the 'Outstanding National Assembly Audit Member Award.'

During this year's audit, Suh was recognized for rigorously questioning unfair trade practices on e-commerce platforms such as Coupang, as well as structural blind spots in rural and safety sectors, using on-site evidence and data. He was credited with driving substantial institutional reforms. In particular, his efforts led to immediate corrective actions and policy reviews by the government, public institutions, and private companies, earning the audit a reputation as a citizen-centered process rather than a mere formality.

Suh strongly criticized Coupang for imposing so-called 'island delivery surcharges' on island regions connected to the mainland by bridges, stating, "Charging island fees for areas that are essentially the same as the mainland is a clear act of unfairness and deception." He also raised issues regarding excessive commissions on agricultural, livestock, and fishery products, delayed payment structures, and the failure to contribute to the Rural Community Cooperation Fund, bringing the social responsibility of major platform companies into public debate.

In the process, Suh revealed that while Coupang's annual sales of agricultural, livestock, and fishery products reach 6 trillion won, its contribution to the Rural Community Cooperation Fund stands at 'zero,' sparking significant public controversy. Following this, Coupang pledged to review and improve both the island delivery surcharges and payment cycles, and some companies took immediate corrective measures.

In the area of rural safety, Suh highlighted the risks posed by aging reservoirs and earthen embankments, as well as the deterioration of agricultural infrastructure, stressing that "these are not merely local issues but national matters directly linked to food security." In response, the government began a comprehensive review of maintenance plans for related facilities.

He also pointed out the lack of comprehensive government plans to address vacant homes and labor shortages in rural areas, urging the state to take greater responsibility. As a result, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs officially responded that it would establish both the 'Basic Policy for Improving Living Environments' and the 'Basic Plan for Supporting Agricultural Employment' within the year.

Additionally, Suh meticulously addressed issues such as the vulnerability of the maritime police rescue system, declining operation rates of aircraft and helicopters, shortages of helicopter parts for wildfire suppression, and moral hazard in public and financial institutions, thereby highlighting concerns over public safety and the waste of taxpayer money.

Suh's audit inquiries also led to practical results, such as the expansion of emergency response services in island areas and commitments to establish communication agency branches in rural communities.

Suh emphasized, "The National Assembly audit is not a stage for political strife, but a minimum safeguard to protect the lives of the people," adding, "I will continue to drive meaningful change based on on-site voices and data to correct unfair practices by major platform companies and address inequalities in rural and safety blind spots."