Published：Apr 27, 08:33Last updated：Apr 29, 08:30

US-South Korea Tensions Over Coupang Probe and Trade Policies

Apr. 27, 2026 08:33

South Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Kang Kyung-wha met with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun to discuss intelligence-sharing issues with North Korea and U.S. complaints over Coupang. The U.S. restricted intelligence-sharing after South Korea disclosed North Korea's uranium enrichment facility. The Coupang issue involves a probe into a data breach affecting 33 million users.

Summarized

18News

6Media

Apr. 28, 2026 16:00

On April 28, 2026, 96 South Korean lawmakers protested U.S. interference in the investigation of e-commerce giant Coupang's data leak. The lawmakers accused U.S. politicians of exerting political pressure and undermining South Korea's judicial sovereignty. Coupang, founded by Korean-American Kim Beom-seok, faces scrutiny after leaking data of 33 million customers.

Apr. 29, 2026 08:30

Tensions between South Korea and the U.S. have increased recently, with experts warning of a potential 'alliance crisis.' Disagreements span security, trade, and digital policy, though Seoul avoids public confrontation.

Diplomatic tensions between South Korea and the United States have escalated over multiple fronts, including the investigation into e-commerce giant Coupang's data breach and disputes over network usage fees. The conflict has drawn in lawmakers from both countries, with 96 South Korean legislators protesting perceived U.S. interference in domestic judicial matters, while 54 Republican U.S. lawmakers have accused Seoul of discriminatory practices.

🏛️ Sovereignty Dispute

South Korean officials including Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha have emphasized national sovereignty amid U.S. complaints about the Coupang investigation. The data breach affecting 33 million users has become a flashpoint, with U.S. politicians defending the Korean-American founded company while Seoul maintains its probe follows domestic laws. Yonhap News Agency+2

💻 Digital Trade Clash

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has singled out South Korea's network usage fees as one of the "craziest trade barriers," claiming no other country imposes similar charges on internet traffic. Cheong Wa Dae countered that no discriminatory laws exist, citing a joint agreement from the Lee Jae Myung-Donald Trump summit. Korean ISPs argue global platforms like Netflix and YouTube should contribute to infrastructure costs. Chosun Ilbo+1

🤝 Alliance Strains

The disputes threaten broader cooperation, with intelligence-sharing already restricted after Seoul disclosed North Korea's uranium facility. Over 80 ruling-party lawmakers have drafted a protest letter, calling U.S. actions an infringement on judicial independence. Meanwhile, security experts warn the cumulative effect could create an "alliance crisis" if unresolved. Hankyoreh+2

USTRCoupangCho HyunCheong Wa DaeKang Kyung-wha

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South Korea

Reporting emphasizes bilateral tensions with the U.S. over intelligence-sharing protocols and regulatory investigations into corporate data practices.