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Coupang denies lobbying U.S. government to pressure Korea

Published: 24 Apr. 2026, 16:53

Harold Rogers, interim chief of Coupang Korea, second from left, is seen in an undated photo. [COUPANG]

E-commerce firm Coupang on Friday denied allegations that it lobbied U.S. government officials to pressure the Korean government following a data leak controversy that emerged in November of last year.

The company also rejected claims that its lobbying activities involved security-related issues, calling such assertions unfounded.

Citing disclosures under the U.S. Lobbying Disclosure Act, Coupang said its lobbying efforts focused on promoting economic cooperation between Seoul and Washington and expanding professional visa opportunities for Koreans seeking employment in the United States.

The filings show the company also engaged with U.S. authorities on plans to expand investment and commercial activity in Korea, Taiwan and Japan, without addressing security matters, Coupang said in a text message.

Coupang said it has prioritized communication on AI innovation, investment, job creation and cross-border commerce involving the United States and other markets, including Korea.

The company said it spent 1.6 billion won ($1.09 million) on lobbying in the January-March period.

“Lobbying activities by both U.S. and Korean companies are conducted within legal frameworks,” Coupang said, adding that major U.S. firms typically spend three to four times more than it does on lobbying.

Yonhap