South Korea

공정위 “쿠팡 영업정지 검토”…입점업체 손실전가 ‘약탈적 사업’ 저격도

Maekyung | Local Language | News | Jan. 14, 2026 | Regulatory Enforcement Actions

The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Joo Byung-gi has signaled the potential suspension of Coupang’s operations following a personal information leak, with investigations currently underway by multiple agencies including the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Personal Information Protection Commission. The FTC will assess consumer harm from the data leak and may impose operational suspension if remedial measures are not implemented or consumer harm persists.

In addition to the data breach, the FTC is investigating Coupang for allegedly passing losses from its low-price sales strategy onto partner sellers, labeling this a predatory business practice. There are also probes into accusations of exaggerated discount promotions to Wow membership members and coercion of delivery-app vendors to provide favorable terms. Depending on the findings, Coupang could face fines ranging from tens to hundreds of billions of won, potentially impacting its overall business model.

The FTC is scrutinizing whether Chairman Kim Beom-seok and his family are involved in Coupang’s management, which could lead to designating Kim as the “same person” who effectively controls the company. This status change would subject him to regulatory obligations, which he has avoided by citing his U.S. citizenship and claimed non-involvement of relatives in management. The issue has been reignited by revelations of significant compensation paid to Kim’s brother by Coupang Korea.

Separately, a government official emphasized that the response to Coupang’s personal information leak will be handled independently of trade or diplomatic considerations, clarifying that the Korean government does not discriminate against Coupang as a U.S.-linked company.

Joongang Ilbo | English | News | Jan. 14, 2026 | Supply Chain Issues

The United States hosted a meeting in Washington on January 12, 2026, bringing together finance ministers and officials from Korea, Japan, Australia, Canada, Germany, India, France, Italy, Mexico, Britain, and the European Union. The discussions focused on securing and diversifying supply chains for critical minerals, particularly rare earth elements essential for high-tech commercial and military products. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent chaired the meeting, emphasizing the need to address vulnerabilities in these supply chains.

Participants expressed a shared urgency to strengthen the resilience and security of critical mineral supplies. The U.S. highlighted its ongoing and planned investments aimed at creating more stable and diversified supply chains. Secretary Bessent pointed out the risks posed by the current concentration of critical mineral sources and encouraged international efforts to enhance supply chain resiliency through prudent derisking rather than decoupling.

The meeting took place amid concerns over China’s dominant role in critical mineral markets and fears that tighter Chinese export controls could disrupt global production of consumer goods and weaponry. The talks reflect continued U.S. efforts to counterbalance China’s influence by collaborating with allies and partners to ensure stable access to these vital resources.

Yonhap | English | News | Jan. 14, 2026 | Supply Chain Issues

Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol met with British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama in Washington to discuss strengthening global supply chain stability. These meetings took place on the sidelines of the Finance Ministerial Meeting on Securing Critical Minerals Supply Chains.

During his talk with Reeves, both officials agreed on the necessity of international cooperation to enhance supply chain stability and decided to expand collaboration in areas including the recycling of critical minerals. Koo's meeting with Katayama marked their first encounter since he took office, where they exchanged views on recent global economic developments and explored ways to deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

The Finance Ministerial Meeting gathered finance chiefs from the Group of Seven (G7) to address issues related to export restrictions on rare earth elements and to find solutions for stabilizing critical mineral supply chains.