Coupang denies lobbying U.S. to pressure S. Korea
E-commerce firm Coupang on Friday denied allegations that it lobbied U.S. government officials to pressure South Korea after a data leak controversy. This February 27 photo shows a Coupang distribution center in Seoul. File Photo by Yonhap
E-commerce firm Coupang Inc. on Friday denied allegations that it lobbied U.S. government officials to pressure the South Korean government following a data leak controversy that emerged in November.
The company also rejected claims that its lobbying activities involved security-related issues, calling such assertions unfounded.
Citing disclosures under the U.S. Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA), Coupang said its lobbying efforts focused on promoting economic cooperation between Seoul and Washington and expanding professional visa opportunities for South Koreans seeking employment in the United States.
The filings show the company also engaged with U.S. authorities on plans to expand investment and commercial activity in South Korea, Taiwan and Japan, without addressing security matters, Coupang said in a text message.
Coupang said it has prioritized communication on artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, investment, job creation and cross-border commerce involving the U.S. and other markets, including South Korea.
The company said it spent 1.6 billion won (US$1.09 million) on lobbying in the January-March period.
“Lobbying activities by both U.S. and South Korean companies are conducted within legal frameworks,” Coupang said, adding that major U.S. firms typically spend three to four times more than it does.
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