South Korean Trade Minister Travels to Washington to Prevent Coupang Probe Escalating Into Trade Row
Updated (2 articles)
Yeo Han‑koo Leads Diplomatic Outreach to U.S. Lawmakers and Think Tanks Trade Minister Yeo Han‑koo arrived in Washington on Jan 13, 2026 and met bipartisan senators Andy Kim, Bill Hagerty, Dave McCormick and Todd Young, as well as Representatives Adrian Smith and Darrell Issa [1][2]. He also briefed the Coalition of Services Industries, the Computer & Communications Industry Association and the Center for Strategic and International Studies, explaining Korea’s regulatory stance on the Coupang breach [1][2]. The mission aimed to assure U.S. officials that the investigation remains a domestic legal matter, not a trade confrontation [1][2].
Coupang Data Leak Affects Approximately 34 Million Customers and Triggers Scrutiny Late last year, Coupang, a U.S.-listed e‑commerce platform founded by Bom Kim, suffered a data breach exposing personal information of about 34 million users [1][2]. Roughly 90 % of the company’s sales occur in South Korea, making the incident a focal point for Korean digital‑regulation policy [1][2]. Rep. Adrian Smith warned that Korean regulators appear to be targeting U.S. tech firms aggressively, a claim Yeo countered by emphasizing compliance with Korean law [1][2].
Negotiations Focus on Non‑Tariff Barriers and Upcoming U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Yeo discussed non‑tariff barrier issues with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, stressing that Korea should not face adverse treatment ahead of a pending Supreme Court decision on reciprocal tariffs [1][2]. He pledged continued outreach to U.S. Congress and industry to clarify policy background and prevent misinterpretation of the investigation [1][2]. Both articles note that maintaining the bilateral trade framework remains a priority while addressing digital‑trade concerns.
Sources (2 articles)
-
[1]
Yonhap: South Korea urges U.S. not to escalate Coupang case into trade dispute – Details Yeo’s Washington meetings, bipartisan outreach, and his warning that the Coupang probe should stay a legal issue, not a trade row .
-
[2]
Yonhap: Trade minister urges not to turn Coupang data breach into U.S.-Korea trade dispute – Highlights the same diplomatic trip, the 34 million‑customer breach, Rep. Smith’s criticism, and talks on non‑tariff barriers with USTR Greer .
Timeline
Late 2025 – Coupang, the U.S.–listed e‑commerce giant founded by Bom Kim, suffers a massive data leak that exposes personal information of roughly 34 million customers. The breach, which occurs primarily in Korea where about 90 % of Coupang’s sales are generated, triggers regulatory scrutiny over the country’s digital‑trade and data‑privacy rules[1].
Jan 13 2026 – South Korea’s Trade Minister Yeo Han‑koo travels to Washington and holds bipartisan meetings with Senators Andy Kim, Bill Hagerty, Dave McCormick, Todd Young and Representatives Adrian Smith and Darrell Issa. He also briefs think‑tank and industry groups, stressing that the Coupang investigation is a domestic legal matter, not a trade dispute. Rep. Adrian Smith warns that Korean regulators “appear to be aggressively targeting U.S. technology firms”[2].
Jan 15 2026 – In a press release, Yeo urges the United States not to let the Coupang case evolve into a bilateral trade row, emphasizing careful management to avoid broader tensions. He pledges ongoing outreach to U.S. officials, Congress and industry to explain Korea’s policy background and to keep the dispute from spiralling[2].
Jan 15 2026 – Yeo meets U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to discuss non‑tariff barrier issues under the existing U.S.–Korea trade agreement and warns that Korea should not face unfavorable treatment ahead of an anticipated U.S. Supreme Court ruling on reciprocal tariffs. The dialogue aims to protect the bilateral framework while addressing regulatory concerns[1].