South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Washington to exchange direct contact numbers, establishing a hotline to prevent misunderstandings over the Coupang investigation. The Korean government emphasized no discriminatory treatment toward the U.S.-based firm. Despite protests from American investors, both sides agreed to keep the matter separate from broader trade issues.
On January 24, 2026 (local time), South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the White House in Washington. During the meeting, Kim emphasized that the investigation into Coupang's massive data breach—affecting 33.7 million customers—and labor-related allegations does not involve unfair treatment of the U.S.-based e-commerce giant. Vance inquired about the problems facing the American company, and Kim provided English translations of his full remarks and related press releases, explaining the delayed breach report and unfounded accusations against the president and prime minister.
Kim stated, “I made it clear that there has been no discriminatory treatment against U.S. firms (including Coupang).” Vance expressed understanding, noting that under the Korean legal system, there must have been some legal issues involved. The discussion occurred a day after two major U.S. investors in Coupang petitioned the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to investigate the Korean government for what they called “discriminatory” treatment and filed arbitration claims, alleging billions in losses. The investors also claimed President Lee Jae-myung is anti-American and pro-China, and that Kim urged regulators to probe Coupang “with the same determination used to wipe out mafias”—a distortion already clarified by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Kim criticized Coupang’s conduct as falling short of global standards and even “anti-American.” He said, “It is excessively anti-American in corporate behavior.” Both sides agreed to maintain close communication, exchanging direct contact numbers to establish a hotline and prevent misunderstandings or escalation. Vance requested that “this issue be managed carefully so it does not lead to misunderstandings or unnecessary escalation between our governments,” and Kim fully agreed, promising quick and transparent updates on Coupang’s situation.
Meanwhile, Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, stressing that the Coupang probe should be treated separately from broader Seoul-Washington trade issues. “I explained that it is not because Coupang is a U.S. company,” Yeo said, adding that authorities would investigate any firm the same way for a similar breach. Coupang, founded by Korean-American entrepreneur Kim Bom-suk (also known as Bom Kim), is U.S.-listed and generates about 90 percent of its revenue in South Korea. Yeo also addressed concerns over South Korea’s digital regulatory environment during meetings with Greer and U.S. lawmakers in Washington the previous week.
The exchanges underscored the robustness of the Korea-U.S. alliance, with Kim noting that relations between the leaders have advanced beyond the influence of any single company’s lobbying.
