Hong Ik-pyo, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, criticized a U.S. Congressional report alleging that the South Korean government discriminates against U.S. companies like Coupang in relation to the company's massive personal data leak, calling it "highly inappropriate as it unilaterally reflects Coupang's position."

Speaking on the YouTube channel of the Blue House new media press corps today (July 6), Hong stated, "It is very regrettable that a report has emerged from a legislative body that represents the will of the people, which is unbalanced and does not align with the facts regarding the conduct of a specific company."

Hong noted, "As this is currently a preliminary report rather than a final one, we have strongly conveyed our position on this matter to the U.S. Congress."

He continued, "American politics used to be a model of democracy, but I find some recent developments somewhat disappointing."

Hong also pointed out, "Coupang's behavior is also highly inappropriate," adding, "If political parties and politicians ignore the will of the voters, they are bound to collapse and fail. The same applies to companies."

He further criticized the company, saying, "How can a company survive if it ignores the will and demands of its consumers? It is highly inappropriate to turn a legal issue that should be resolved from the public's perspective into a diplomatic matter by leveraging the U.S. Congress or government."

"For Coupang to become a company loved by the people of South Korea again, it needs a sincere apology and efforts to win the hearts of the public," he said. "This approach is of no help to Coupang at all."

Regarding the increasing likelihood of Homeplus entering bankruptcy proceedings following the court's decision to terminate its rehabilitation process, Hong stated that the government would provide maximum support within the legal framework, while also targeting the major shareholder, MBK Partners.

Hong raised his voice, saying, "I cannot help but point out the immoral M&A (mergers and acquisitions) methods of MBK. We were exposed to these risks as private equity regulations were eased during the Lee Myung-bak administration, and the damage has now been confirmed."

He emphasized, "Regulatory measures are needed in the financial sector. Given the potential for large-scale unemployment and the widespread damage to partner companies, financial authorities must actively seek institutional improvements to prevent such incidents from recurring."

Regarding the prolonged protests at a Jamsil polling station over the shortage of ballots in the June 3 local elections, he explained, "It is trending toward being explicitly led by a specific political group. We are being very cautious about the potential for unfortunate incidents resulting from the deployment of public force."

He added, "We are observing the situation with patience, but it is not desirable for this situation to drag on for a long time. The relevant authorities are reviewing various methods for a solution."

Concerning the Democratic Party of Korea's push for a special counsel probe into the ballot shortage using a 'third-party recommendation' method, he commented, "It is a proposal to keep the political sphere out of it entirely, and the Democratic Party's plan is much more appropriate."

When asked if President Lee Jae-myung is practicing golf following an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump, Hong replied, "He is under a lot of stress because of that these days."

Hong mentioned, "Since President Trump proposed it directly, we have advised him that he should prepare a little bit because he will likely have to play if he goes (to the U.S.). He needs to play well—not too well, but just well enough to keep President Trump in a good mood."