Coupang Dispute Affects Korea-US Security Consultations

The friction stems from a U.S. probe into a Coupang data leak, demands for guarantees for chairman Kim Bom, and a U.S. threat to halt talks without legal guarantees. Washington has linked the corporate investigation to security negotiations, prompting Seoul to separate the two tracks.

The Straits Times

• Wi Sung-lac, director of the National Security Office and senior adviser to President Lee Jae-myung.

Coupang Issue Affecting Korea-U.S. Security Talks, Security Chief Says

• President Lee Jae-myung, who accompanied Wi in Hanoi.

Coupang Issue Affecting Korea-U.S. Security Talks, Security Chief Says

• Early 2026: Wi referenced multiple U.S. matters—digital trade, the Online Platform Act, and the “Coupang variable”—affecting security talks.

Coupang Issue Affecting Korea-U.S. Security Talks, Security Chief Says

• 24 April 2026: Wi publicly acknowledged the Coupang issue’s impact on security consultations in Hanoi.

Coupang Issue Affecting Korea-U.S. Security Talks, Security Chief Says

Delays jeopardize talks on nuclear-powered submarines, uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing, key to the defense partnership and alliance stability.

Coupang Issue Affecting Korea-U.S. Security Talks, Security Chief Says

Wi said legal proceedings on Coupang must proceed independently, while security talks should resume promptly, stressing alliance’s “garden-like” need for careful management. Senior U.S. official said partners must safeguard sensitive U.S. information shared privately.

The Straits Times

U.S. Republican lawmakers, in a letter to Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha, warned that Korean actions appear to target corporations, including Apple, Google, and Coupang. Wi responded that corporate positions are separate from security matters and Seoul is engaging lawmakers to clarify.

Coupang Issue Affecting Korea-U.S. Security Talks, Security Chief Says

South Korean officials describe the Coupang matter as a private-sector legal issue, whereas U.S. statements suggest it influences security cooperation. No public resolution or timeline for separating the tracks has been disclosed.

Coupang Issue Affecting Korea-U.S. Security Talks, Security Chief Says

• “It is true that it is affecting South Korea-US security consultations,” — Wi Sung-lac, National Security Adviser

The Straits Times

• “The US government expects all partners to safeguard sensitive US information shared through private channels.” — Senior US administration official

The Straits Times

• “Since we don't view it as desirable for a corporate issue to become a bilateral government issue, we are holding extensive discussions with the United States based on the position that the Coupang issue should proceed through legal procedures, while security consultations should advance on their own track.” — Wi Sung-lac

Coupang Issue Affecting Korea-U.S. Security Talks, Security Chief Says

Seoul and Washington continue “extensive consultations” aimed at decoupling the corporate dispute from defense talks. Both sides anticipate reporting progress in the coming weeks, with the resumption of submarine and nuclear-fuel discussions a priority.

Coupang Issue Affecting Korea-U.S. Security Talks, Security Chief Says