U.S. lobbying reports show Coupang spent $1.09 million in the first quarter targeting the White House, Vice President, and Congress. This follows a major data leak scandal in South Korea last November. Though headquartered in Seattle and U.S.-incorporated, the company primarily operates in Korea.
U.S. Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act reports revealed Thursday that U.S.-listed Coupang spent $1.09 million on lobbying in the first quarter of 2026. A lobbying firm representing the company listed activities involving the Executive Office of the President, the Vice President, the Senate, the House, the Commerce Department, and the U.S. Trade Representative.
The efforts come after a massive data breach in South Korea last November that exposed personal information of tens of millions of users, prompting a sweeping investigation. U.S. Republican lawmakers have defended Coupang, accusing Seoul of discriminating against American firms.
In January, South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Washington. Kim told reporters that Vance urged both governments to manage the Coupang issue carefully to avoid misunderstandings.
Coupang stated its lobbying discussed expanding its digital, retail, and logistics services to American small- and medium-sized businesses, along with U.S. job creation and economic growth. Lobbying firms reported focusing on U.S. export promotion and boosting trade and investment flows across North America, Asia, and Europe.
In Seattle, Coupang's hometown, locals expressed unfamiliarity. Software engineer Jason Miller said, “I’ve lived here for 10 years and never heard of it.” Marketing consultant Emily Chen added, “When you say ‘American company,’ I think of something that operates here, hires here, has customers here.”
