The flags of Korea, the United States and Coupang hang at New York Stock Exchange, Mar. 11, 2021, when Coupang Inc., the U.S.-headquartered holding firm of Coupang, began its trading. Yonhap
SEATTLE — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said concerns over South Korea's treatment of American companies have affected Washington's ability to conclude a trade agreement with Seoul, responding to criticism from Rep. Darrell Issa during a congressional hearing.
During the hearing Wednesday, Issa argued that South Korea's democracy had "taken a strong bent to the left," accusing the country of opening more avenues toward China and "beginning to oppress" companies including Meta and Coupang.
Responding to Issa, Rubio said concerns about the treatment of U.S. firms had become part of Washington's engagement with Seoul.
"Our companies aren't just facing challenges and getting targeted in South Korea. They're facing it throughout Europe," Rubio said. "I think this becomes a feature in our engagement with South Korea even if we have things we are strategically aligned on."
"Frankly, [it has] impacted our ability to conclude a trade agreement with them because of some of their behavior toward American companies," he added.
The comments mark the latest instance of Issa criticizing South Korea, while defending Coupang.
Earlier this year, Issa joined dozens of House Republicans in raising concerns about what they described as discriminatory treatment of U.S. firms in South Korea. He has also publicly urged Korean officials to avoid policies that he argued unfairly target companies such as Coupang, Meta, Google and Apple.
The latest exchange suggests concerns over the treatment of technology and platform companies remain part of broader U.S.-Korea economic discussions, even as the two countries continue to cooperate closely on security and other strategic issues.
Source: Korea Times News
