PM tells US lawmakers Coupang probe 'not discriminatory'

김민석 국무총리가 22일(현지시간) 미국 워싱턴 D.C에서 하원의원 주요 인사들과 오찬하고 있다. [사진=국무조정실]

SEOUL, January 23 (AJP) - Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who is currently in Washington, D.C., told U.S. lawmakers that South Korea is not discriminating against e-commerce giant Coupang in its investigation into a massive data leak late last year.

His remarks came on Thursday as Kim began his five-day trip to the U.S., starting with a luncheon meeting with several U.S. House members including Young Kim, Ami Bera, Dave Min, Joe Wilson, John Moolenaar, Marilyn Strickland, Michael Baumgartner, Ryan Mackenzie and Young Kim.

When asked whether the South Korean government is on a "politically motivated witch hunt" against Coupang in its investigation into the data breach, an issue raised by two U.S. investors, Kim denied any such "discrimination" against the company, adding that he believes that the country's relationship with the U.S. has been built on "sufficient trust" not to worry about such issues.

Kim was also quoted as saying, "South Korea does not think [last September's] immigration raid involving South Korean workers in Georgia was a discrimination case resulting from the fact they were South Korean." He added, "Likewise, no discriminatory actions were taken against Coupang simply because it is a U.S.-listed company."

In the meeting, Kim also expressed hope that his visit would "accelerate" the implementation of follow-up measures in tariff-related agreements between the two countries, urging the U.S. lawmakers to continue playing an important role in strengthening the bilateral alliance.

Their discussions also included a bill, led by Rep. Young Kim, that would allow up to 15,000 professional work visas for South Koreans and is currently pending in the House.

After wrapping up the meeting, Kim visited the Korean War Veterans Memorial to lay flowers later in the day and attended an event to meet with young people and talk about Korean culture.
Jeong Hae-hun 기자 ewigjung@ajunews.com

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