Coupang Denies Reports It Lobbied U.S. to Pressure South Korea

Coupang on Thursday denied recent reports that it was pressuring the South Korean government through lobbying of the U.S. administration and Congress, calling the claims untrue.

In a reference note, the company said assertions that there were discussions related to security were "clearly false." It said its lobbying has covered economic cooperation between the two countries, including expanding investment and trade involving South Korea, Taiwan and Japan, and broadening professional visa opportunities for South Koreans, and that it did not include any security-related issues.

Coupang added that it is focused on communication with the United States and other countries to promote AI innovation, investment and job creation, and to expand cross-border commerce.

Separately, a filing under the U.S. Lobbying Disclosure Act showed Coupang Inc. spent $1.09 million on lobbying in the first quarter (January to March) this year. Coupang said companies in the United States and major South Korean firms conduct legal lobbying, adding that major U.S. companies spend three to four times more than Coupang and that its spending is also lower than that of major South Korean conglomerates.