미 상원의원, ‘쿠팡’ 거론하며 “한국 정부, 배은망덕”

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.