Industry Minister: "Some US Politicians Misunderstand Coupang as US Agricultural Export Channel"

▲ Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan delivers a keynote speech at a Kwanhun Club debate held at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 6th.

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan stated regarding the "Coupang incident," which has emerged as a hot potato in South Korea-U.S. relations, that "perspectives seem to vary a bit depending on who we talk to in the United States."

During a Kwanhun Club debate held at the Seoul Press Center today (the 6th), Minister Kim introduced, "For instance, when I meet with U.S. politicians, I get the impression that they are extremely oversensitive about Coupang." He added, "On the other hand, trade officials I meet, such as those from the Department of Commerce or the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, have a much better understanding of the essence of the Coupang incident."

In particular, he pointed out that some members of the U.S. political circle are misunderstanding Coupang as a means to alleviate the trade deficit between South Korea and the U.S.

Minister Kim said, "Many U.S. politicians often think that U.S. agricultural, fishery, and livestock products are being imported into South Korea thanks to Coupang." He continued, "When I tell them that most South Koreans understand that Coupang imports cheap goods from neighboring China rather than the U.S., they are greatly surprised."

Minister Kim stated, "The essence of the Coupang issue is that the information of nearly 80 percent of South Korean adults was leaked, and they were unaware of it for several months." He added, "When I ask U.S. politicians back, 'How do you think the U.S. would treat a company that leaked the information of 80 percent of U.S. adults to a foreign country and failed to properly report it or follow legal procedures?', most of them agree."

Drawing a line, Minister Kim said, "If the South Korean government had discriminated against and disadvantaged Coupang simply because it is a U.S. company, could it have grown at such a rapid pace?" He added, "The South Korea-U.S. alliance is not at such a shallow level that the Coupang issue could shake its foundation."

(Photo: Yonhap News)

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