House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Subcommittee Chairman Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI) are increasing scrutiny of South Korean practices they say discriminate against American businesses. Their investigation focuses on Coupang, Inc., an American e-commerce firm facing operational challenges in South Korea, according to the House Judiciary Committee GOP.
The committee issued a subpoena to Coupang for documents and communications to determine whether the South Korean government has disadvantaged the company compared to competitors. Jordan and Fitzgerald cited concerns that the Trump Administration’s trade agreement, which guarantees fair treatment for U.S. companies in digital services, may not be fully respected.
The committee alleges unfair treatment by Korean regulators, including the Korea Fair Trade Commission, citing discriminatory actions, enforcement inconsistencies, and threats of criminal penalties. Coupang’s interim CEO, a U.S. citizen, reportedly faced the possibility of criminal charges.
South Korean officials have not yet responded. The investigation highlights the challenges American companies face when expanding into foreign markets and navigating regulatory practices abroad.
