On the 6th, Kim Jeong-kwan, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated regarding the Coupang personal information leak incident that "the U.S.-Korea alliance is not at a level so shallow that it would be shaken by the Coupang incident." Contrary to concerns raised by some in the U.S. political sphere, he explained that U.S. trade authorities understand the essence of the matter and thus do not view it as an issue that would disrupt U.S.-Korea trade relations.
Kim (Minister) said at a public forum held at the Seoul Press Center on that day regarding the Coupang incident and allegations of discrimination against U.S. companies, "Reactions vary slightly depending on who you speak with in the United States." He added, "While some political circles have shown an overly sensitive reaction to the Coupang issue, trade authorities such as the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) understand the essence of the matter."
He continued, "If the Korean government had discriminated against or imposed disadvantages on Coupang, could it have grown so rapidly as it has today?" He emphasized that "the core issue is that nearly 37 million people, close to 80% of South Korea's adult population, had their personal information leaked and were not reported in a timely manner."
He stated, "When we explain to U.S. politicians that 'if nearly 80% of adults' personal information were leaked in the United States and the company failed to properly fulfill its reporting obligations, how would you respond?' they largely agree," adding, "They also come to understand the rationale behind the government's measures against Coupang."
He further noted, "Some U.S. politicians perceive Coupang as a company that contributes to reducing the trade balance deficit through imports of U.S. agricultural and livestock products. However, when we explain that in reality, the proportion of imported Chinese-made products is higher, they often express surprise."
Kim (Minister) reiterated, "We are continuously explaining this matter to the U.S. side through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Embassy in the United States," adding, "I firmly believe this incident does not pose a problem severe enough to shake the foundation of the U.S.-Korea alliance."
in ECONOMY
