The South Korean government plans to explain the recent fine imposed on Coupang to the U.S. government to mitigate potential diplomatic tensions.
According to a report by Yonhap News, a Foreign Ministry official stated on June 11 that the government will maintain a non-discriminatory policy toward U.S. digital companies, including Coupang, and will calmly explain the findings of the Personal Information Protection Commission regarding the company.
On the same day, the Personal Information Protection Commission announced a fine of 624.7 billion won against Coupang related to a data breach. The official noted, "The commission conducted a fair investigation in accordance with domestic laws, adhering to the principle of proportionality in penalties, and provided Coupang with ample opportunity to present its views during the investigation."
The U.S. government and some lawmakers have reacted sensitively to regulations targeting their digital companies, claiming that the South Korean government has unfairly investigated Coupang with unprecedented intensity, alleging that it is attempting to undermine the company to assist Chinese platform firms.
However, the South Korean government maintains that the fine is a legitimate legal action against a company responsible for a data breach. Consequently, the government has been in contact with U.S. officials and lawmakers to clarify its position on the data breach and to resolve any misunderstandings.
Yonhap News reported that while U.S. officials still express concerns regarding Coupang, there is a shared understanding that this issue should not negatively impact the overall Korea-U.S. relationship.
According to the U.S. online media outlet Semafor, a U.S. official stated, "The U.S. government has concerns about regulations and laws that discriminate against American companies, including Coupang."
Yonhap News also noted that the South Korean government needs to gauge how seriously the U.S. views the fine imposed on Coupang and whether it will prioritize discussions on key issues, such as recently resumed nuclear cooperation, over the situation with Coupang.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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