US Senator Ted Cruz is criticizing South Korea's government for what he says is unfair treatment of US companies. In a statement, Cruz mentioned Coupang, a Korean e-commerce company. He said, “The Korean government has shown ungratefulness by taking steps that harm the business of Coupang, a company that has invested billions of dollars in Korea.” Cruz added, “The Korean government has not provided a level playing field for US companies.” The senator’s comments come after the Korean government imposed a 26.7 billion won fine on Coupang. The fine was for allegedly violating antitrust regulations. Coupang denies any wrongdoing. The company says it will review the government’s decision. Cruz has expressed support for Coupang in the past. In 2015, he wrote a letter to the Korean government expressing concern about the country’s regulatory environment. At that time, he was worried about the impact on Coupang. The company has become one of the largest e-commerce companies in Korea. It was founded in 2010 by Shi Ryung Lee and has grown rapidly since then. Coupang has received investments from several major US companies, including Sequoia Capital and SoftBank. The company’s growth has been impressive, but it has also faced challenges. One of the challenges is competition from other e-commerce companies. Another challenge is regulatory scrutiny. The Korean government has been closely monitoring Coupang’s business practices. The government has imposed several fines on the company. Coupang has also faced criticism from some Korean politicians. They have accused the company of unfair business practices. Despite the challenges, Coupang remains one of the largest e-commerce companies in Korea. The company continues to expand its business and invest in new areas. It has also been exploring opportunities in other countries. Coupang’s growth and success have been closely watched by many. The company’s experience will likely provide valuable insights for other e-commerce companies. The Korean government’s actions have sparked a reaction from US politicians. Cruz’s statement reflects concerns about the treatment of US companies in Korea. The issue is likely to continue to be a topic of discussion. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop. The Korean government’s actions have implications for US-Korea relations. The issue may affect the two countries’ economic relationship. It could also impact the business environment for US companies in Korea. The situation will be closely watched by many. The outcome will have significant implications. The Korean government’s decision has sparked a reaction from US politicians. The issue is likely to continue to be a topic of discussion. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop. The situation will be closely watched by many. The outcome will have significant implications for US-Korea relations and the business environment in Korea.
South Korean Senator Bernie Moreno is criticizing the South Korean government for unfairly targeting U.S. companies, specifically citing the case of Coupang. Moreno has requested a formal investigation by the U.S. Trade Representative's office, including the potential use of Trade Act 301, to address the issue. In a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative's representative, Moreno stated that the South Korean government is unjustly singling out U.S. companies through excessive fines, criminal prosecutions of business executives, and biased regulatory enforcement.
He reminded that over 37,000 U.S. soldiers were killed during the Korean War and that the United States has supported South Korea's security and economic development. Moreno expressed that Seoul should not stand idly by as the South Korean government weaponizes government power against innovative companies in the region. Citing Coupang as a prime example, Moreno noted that the company faced 10 government investigations, a shutdown threat, and the largest monetary sanctions in history, as well as criminal charges for its executives following a 2025 data breach.
He acknowledged that the breach merits investigation and fair enforcement of the law, but emphasized that the government is misusing the situation to broaden its authority over U.S. companies. Moreno also called for the Trade Representative's office to initiate a formal investigation using available authority and to consider Trade Act 301 to impose retaliatory trade measures if necessary.
He demanded that the Trade Representative prepare countermeasures proportional to the violation, in line with trade agreements. Trade Act 301 allows the Trade Representative to investigate unfair or discriminatory trade practices by foreign governments and impose trade remedies such as tariffs.
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