House Judiciary Committee Subpoenas Coupang Amid Allegations of Discrimination
On Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee took decisive action by issuing a subpoena to Coupang, the prominent e-commerce enterprise, seeking access to its documentation and communications with the South Korean government. This inquiry is centered on accusations of systemic discrimination against the U.S. technology firm.
Representatives Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI) spearheaded a correspondence detailing what they described as South Korea’s inequitable treatment of Coupang.
Notably, Coupang, often likened to Amazon for its expansive reach, has been the target of numerous investigations, raids, and inspections orchestrated by the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC), the nation’s chief antitrust authority.
The situation worsened following a data breach in November, instigated by a former employee from China, leading to heightened scrutiny from regulators.
In a striking display of governmental pressure, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung publicly advocated for severe ramifications against Coupang, suggesting penalties so harsh that they could jeopardize the company’s viability.
Furthermore, his administration hinted at the possibility of criminal charges against a Coupang executive, a U.S. national.
Jordan remarked in a letter, “In recent months, the KFTC and other Korean government entities have intensified their discriminatory actions against American technology firms, even threatening U.S. citizens with criminal prosecution.” He elaborated on the necessity of the subpoena, emphasizing the requirement to scrutinize these practices.
He continued, “To formulate robust legislation, including new laws designed to shield American firms and citizens from foreign discriminatory actions, the Committee must investigate the depth and implications of these efforts on Americans’ due process rights and the ability of U.S. companies to compete globally.”
Congress has consistently voiced apprehension regarding South Korea’s treatment of Coupang and various U.S. tech firms through letters and public hearings. The recent subpoena exemplifies lawmakers’ profound concern regarding the treatment of American enterprises by foreign allies.
In addition to the documents sought, the House Judiciary chairman has mandated that Coupang’s Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel, Harold Rogers, appear for a deposition at a forthcoming date.
In a statement responding to this congressional inquiry, Coupang affirmed its commitment to compliance. “Coupang will fully cooperate with the U.S. House Judiciary Committee investigation, ensuring all required documents and witness testimonies are provided in accordance with the subpoena,” the company declared.
Despite an established comprehensive trade agreement between the United States and South Korea last fall, tensions are palpable.
This agreement ostensibly safeguards U.S. companies against discriminatory practices by foreign governments, as articulated in a White House joint fact sheet concerning digital services, network usage, and online platform regulations.
The Trump administration has demonstrated awareness of this predicament. Last month, Vice President JD Vance convened with South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok to explore resolutions to the Coupang-related dispute.
Shortly thereafter, President Donald Trump escalated tariffs on South Korea by 10%, citing the country’s failure to adhere to trade obligations.
Trump Increases Tariffs on South Korea Due to Trade Deal Discrepancies
“President Lee and I reached a significant agreement beneficial to both nations on July 30, 2025, and we reaffirmed these terms during my visit to Korea on October 29, 2025.”
Trump stated in a post on Truth Social. “Why hasn’t the Korean Legislature ratified it?”
Though Trump did not explicitly reference Coupang in his announcement, the company’s struggles likely played a role in his decision to increase tariffs on South Korea.
Additionally, the president has threatened further tariffs on the European Union due to digital regulations and taxes perceived as disproportionately affecting U.S. tech firms.
Source link: Washingtonexaminer.com.
