Korean American Group Warns Coupang: "Do Not Provoke Korea-U.S. Conflict for Your Own Benefit"

Korean American Political Action Committee Issues Statement on Coupang
"U.S. Lobbying Must Not Be Used to Cover Up the Truth or Provoke Conflict"

The Korean American Political Action Committee (KAPAC) has criticized Coupang, which has caused public controversy due to a massive personal information leak, stating, "Coupang should not use political lobbying and U.S. congressional hearings to cover up the truth or provoke conflicts between Korea and the United States solely for its own benefit." According to Yonhap News Agency, on the 19th (local time), KAPAC pointed out that some American politicians have recently expressed the view during congressional hearings that Coupang is being oppressed by the Korean government and National Assembly.

The Korean American Political Action Committee (KAPAC) asserted that Coupang should not use political lobbying and U.S. congressional hearings to cover up the truth or provoke conflicts between Korea and the United States solely for its own benefit. Reuters Yonhap News

KAPAC also addressed Bom Kim, the U.S. citizen and Chairman of the Board of Coupang Inc., stating, "He must never engage in actions that damage the reputation of Korean American and overseas Korean entrepreneurs." KAPAC further called on Coupang to transparently disclose the exact scope of the personal information leak and related data, to establish practical and responsible compensation measures for victims, to guarantee the safety and rights of workers, and to ensure fair transactions with delivery partners and self-employed business owners.

KAPAC emphasized, "As proud U.S. citizens, taxpayers, and voters, Korean Americans will actively inform American society, the media, and Congress about the truth of the Coupang incident, and will continue to closely monitor and respond to Coupang."

Coupang’s Korean entity is 100% owned by its U.S.-listed parent company, Coupang Inc., and more than 70% of the parent company’s voting rights are held by founder Bom Kim.

A view of a Coupang logistics center in downtown Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Previously, in the U.S. Congress, claims were raised that the Korean government is unfairly discriminating against American technology companies, including Coupang, and making their business operations difficult through various digital regulations. Adrian Smith, Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee’s Trade Subcommittee, mentioned "discriminatory regulations against Coupang" during a trade subcommittee hearing on the 13th (local time), stating, "Korea continues to pursue legislative efforts that clearly target American companies."

Representative Carol Miller also commented, "Other countries are continually trying to block free trade in the digital sector," adding, "This is most apparent in Korea." She criticized the recently passed amendment to the Information and Communications Network Act, calling it a "censorship law," and claimed that the Korean National Assembly is continuing to push for legislation targeting U.S. companies. These remarks have led to speculation that Coupang’s lobbying of the U.S. government and Congress may have influenced politicians’ statements.

The Office of the President of Korea stated on the 18th, regarding Coupang’s massive personal information leak, "It is inappropriate to interpret this as an issue expanding into a Korea-U.S. diplomatic or trade matter." The office added, "The Coupang incident involves an unprecedented scale of personal information leakage, and relevant authorities are currently investigating the matter in accordance with the law," and said, "We will continue to explain this position to the U.S. side."