Ex-US adviser warns Coupang probe could hit trade ties

Robert O’Brien, former US national security adviser under Donald Trump, has warned that South Korea’s regulatory response to the Coupang data breach could impact US-Korea relations.

Coupang, a US-listed ecommerce company that mainly operates in Korea, recently reported a data leak affecting around 33.7 million customer accounts.

O’Brien said on social media that strong oversight of Coupang by Korean authorities could lead to wider regulatory barriers for US firms, and affect trade relations.

He also called for a coordinated US response, citing concerns over fair treatment for US companies.

The breach has led to heightened scrutiny in Korea, with lawmakers pushing for more oversight, parliamentary hearings, and a government task force.

The presidential office held an emergency meeting, chaired by policy chief Kim Yong-beom, to discuss the incident and review claims about Coupang’s alleged lobbying of US officials.

🔗 Source: The Korea Herald

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