- South Korea rejected a congressional report alleging it targeted U.S.-based Coupang, escalating friction with the U.S. over Seoul's investigation and penalties tied to a 2025 data breach.
- People familiar with the matter said a prolonged dispute has put retaliatory action, including additional U.S. tariffs on South Korea, into focus.
- South Korea said its U.S. alliance is "stronger than ever," while a White House official said the Coupang dispute has no direct connection to the scaling back of joint military exercises.
Quotes
“This isn't about just some commercial dispute”
“The worst thing that could happen is if we get into a tit-for-tat environment, where [the U.S. seeks] to punish Korea in some way or tie this to an increase in tariffs.”
“there is no direct connection.”