Haeyoon Kim 김혜윤
@haeyoonkim.bsky.social
Korea Tech & Trade Watch: https://koreattw.substack.com/
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Haeyoon Kim 김혜윤
@haeyoonkim.bsky.social
· Apr 14
Google vs. South Korea: The Long-Running Dispute Over Map Data
In February, Google once again requested detailed map data from South Korea’s National Geographic Information Institute, under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
koreattw.substack.com
Just launched Korea Tech & Trade Watch — a blog on tech, trade, and geopolitics in East Asia, with a focus on South Korea and Japan.
First post: the Google Maps dispute in Seoul — if you’ve ever tried getting around Korea with it, you’ll get it.
Hope you enjoy and stay tuned for more!
First post: the Google Maps dispute in Seoul — if you’ve ever tried getting around Korea with it, you’ll get it.
Hope you enjoy and stay tuned for more!
Reposted by Haeyoon Kim 김혜윤
This WSJ story about a Chinese auto-glass plant in Ohio is interesting less as a China story than as a window into the challenges of U.S. industrial policy going forward. 1/
www.wsj.com/business/tar...
www.wsj.com/business/tar...
The Chinese Factory That Opened in the U.S. and Clobbered Its Rivals
President Trump has pressured trading partners for investment in U.S. manufacturing plants. What if local industries can’t compete?
www.wsj.com
February 9, 2026 at 1:59 PM
This WSJ story about a Chinese auto-glass plant in Ohio is interesting less as a China story than as a window into the challenges of U.S. industrial policy going forward. 1/
www.wsj.com/business/tar...
www.wsj.com/business/tar...
In my view, this is the crux:
"As for Coupang’s claims that the South Korean government is attacking it because it is a foreign company, @anupamchander.bsky.social said, 'There’s something interesting in … trying to figure out whether Coupang is an American company or a Korean company.'”
"As for Coupang’s claims that the South Korean government is attacking it because it is a foreign company, @anupamchander.bsky.social said, 'There’s something interesting in … trying to figure out whether Coupang is an American company or a Korean company.'”
Most Americans have never used their website. The company has become a player in Washington, anyway.
Coupang, South Korea's largest e-commerce site, has aligned itself with the Trump administration on digital policy.
www.politico.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:57 PM
In my view, this is the crux:
"As for Coupang’s claims that the South Korean government is attacking it because it is a foreign company, @anupamchander.bsky.social said, 'There’s something interesting in … trying to figure out whether Coupang is an American company or a Korean company.'”
"As for Coupang’s claims that the South Korean government is attacking it because it is a foreign company, @anupamchander.bsky.social said, 'There’s something interesting in … trying to figure out whether Coupang is an American company or a Korean company.'”
Now who's finally ready for the constitutional revision?
Japan election: Sanae Takaichi’s ruling conservatives on course for landslide victory
Japan election: Sanae Takaichi’s ruling conservatives on course for landslide victory
Exit polls point to public endorsement of new prime minister Sanae Takaichi
Japan’s conservative governing party is on course to strengthen dramatically its grip on power after exit polls predicted a landslide victory in Sunday’s lower house elections.
The LDP was projected to win between 274 and 328 seats out of a total of 465, according to an exit poll by the public broadcaster NHK, well above the 233 it needed to regain the majority it lost in 2024. Combined with seats secured by its junior coalition partner, the Japan Innovation party, the parties could win between 302 and 366 seats, NHK added. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 12:59 AM
Now who's finally ready for the constitutional revision?
House Judiciary Republicans, Jordan and Fitzgerald, subpoenaed Coupang Korea interim head Rogers, seeking Feb 23 testimony and his communications with Korea’s presidential office, government and National Assembly, citing alleged targeting of U.S. tech firms by Korean authorities, including the KFTC.
[단독] 점입가경 돼가는 쿠팡 사태... 美의회, 로저스 대표 소환
단독 점입가경 돼가는 쿠팡 사태... 美의회, 로저스 대표 소환 하원 법사위, 로저스에 증언 및 韓정부 통신 내역 요구 美기업 표적 삼고 미국 시민에 대한 형사 처벌 위협 23일 청문회 韓美 무역 합의 등 파장 있을 듯
www.chosun.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:24 PM
House Judiciary Republicans, Jordan and Fitzgerald, subpoenaed Coupang Korea interim head Rogers, seeking Feb 23 testimony and his communications with Korea’s presidential office, government and National Assembly, citing alleged targeting of U.S. tech firms by Korean authorities, including the KFTC.
Reposted by Haeyoon Kim 김혜윤
The European Parliament has voted to "resume work" on ratifying the EU-US trade deal of last summer, which was paused over the Greenland storm.
"A vote could therefore potentially take place at the next committee meeting on Tuesday 24 February"
"A vote could therefore potentially take place at the next committee meeting on Tuesday 24 February"
EU-US trade legislation: MEPs to resume work on Turnberry proposals | News | European Parliament
Bernd Lange, chair of Parliament’s International Trade Committee and standing rapporteur for the US, has issued the following statement regarding the EU-US trade deal.
www.europarl.europa.eu
February 4, 2026 at 2:47 PM
The European Parliament has voted to "resume work" on ratifying the EU-US trade deal of last summer, which was paused over the Greenland storm.
"A vote could therefore potentially take place at the next committee meeting on Tuesday 24 February"
"A vote could therefore potentially take place at the next committee meeting on Tuesday 24 February"
SBS Exclusive: In two DC meetings, Washington urged Seoul to join US nuclear plant builds – prioritized over shipbuilding/LNG/grid – and floated splitting the nuclear projects with Japan. With Japanese PM Takaichi set to unveil US investments next month, US doubts Korea's follow-through amid delays.
February 3, 2026 at 8:06 PM
SBS Exclusive: In two DC meetings, Washington urged Seoul to join US nuclear plant builds – prioritized over shipbuilding/LNG/grid – and floated splitting the nuclear projects with Japan. With Japanese PM Takaichi set to unveil US investments next month, US doubts Korea's follow-through amid delays.
"In any event, it appears that the law will not sit well with the US government, whose AI Action Plan is all about pushing the adoption of the US AI technology stack, while the two countries continue to negotiate the Trump tariffs."
South Korea May Regret Being First with New AI Law
Charles Mok asks, will the country’s latest AI regulations turn out to be the next in a series of failed South Korean digital laws?
www.techpolicy.press
February 3, 2026 at 4:41 PM
"In any event, it appears that the law will not sit well with the US government, whose AI Action Plan is all about pushing the adoption of the US AI technology stack, while the two countries continue to negotiate the Trump tariffs."
On his meeting with U.S. Energy Secretary Wright, Minister Kim said that “while it is difficult to disclose specifics, there were various discussions on U.S.-Korea nuclear cooperation.”
January 31, 2026 at 2:59 PM
On his meeting with U.S. Energy Secretary Wright, Minister Kim said that “while it is difficult to disclose specifics, there were various discussions on U.S.-Korea nuclear cooperation.”
After meeting twice in Washington with U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick, South Korea’s MOTIE Minister Kim told reporters that Seoul’s online platform regulations and the Coupang issue “did not come up even once,” adding, “It doesn’t seem to be viewed as something that would affect tariffs.”
‘관세 재인상 사태’ 김정관 산업통상부 장관 귀국 인터뷰..“논의 계속” - [끝까지LIVE] MBC 중계방송 2026년 01월 31일
YouTube video by MBCNEWS
www.youtube.com
January 31, 2026 at 2:58 PM
After meeting twice in Washington with U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick, South Korea’s MOTIE Minister Kim told reporters that Seoul’s online platform regulations and the Coupang issue “did not come up even once,” adding, “It doesn’t seem to be viewed as something that would affect tariffs.”
Dr. Andrew Yeo from @brookings.edu "calls it 'quite rich' that Coupang’s defenders invoke violations of KORUS, given Mr Trump’s use of tariffs as a trade weapon against S Korea... S Korea risks bullying a big American-backed success story. America risks bullying a strong ally in Asia. No one wins."
Silicon Valley wades into a trade spat with South Korea
Coupang’s data breach is turning into a diplomatic row
www.economist.com
January 30, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Dr. Andrew Yeo from @brookings.edu "calls it 'quite rich' that Coupang’s defenders invoke violations of KORUS, given Mr Trump’s use of tariffs as a trade weapon against S Korea... S Korea risks bullying a big American-backed success story. America risks bullying a strong ally in Asia. No one wins."
U.S. Treasury Sec Bessent: "'The South Korean parliament has not passed the trade deal,' he said. 'So there is no trade deal until they ratify it.' Asked if S Korea will face 25 percent tariffs until the National Assembly ratifies it, Bessent said, 'I think it's helpful to get things moved along.'"
January 28, 2026 at 8:41 PM
U.S. Treasury Sec Bessent: "'The South Korean parliament has not passed the trade deal,' he said. 'So there is no trade deal until they ratify it.' Asked if S Korea will face 25 percent tariffs until the National Assembly ratifies it, Bessent said, 'I think it's helpful to get things moved along.'"
Fox News also reported: “Coupang, a Seattle-headquartered e-commerce company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, has emerged as one of the most visible examples cited by U.S. officials, lawmakers and investors as scrutiny of South Korea’s regulatory environment has intensified.”
US-South Korea trade tensions flare over treatment of American tech firms including Coupang
Trump raises tariffs on South Korean goods from 15% to 25% over alleged trade violations, escalating diplomatic tensions between Washington and Seoul.
www.foxbusiness.com
January 28, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Fox News also reported: “Coupang, a Seattle-headquartered e-commerce company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, has emerged as one of the most visible examples cited by U.S. officials, lawmakers and investors as scrutiny of South Korea’s regulatory environment has intensified.”
Seoul’s presidential office and foreign minister said Trump’s “back to 25 percent tariffs” move appears unrelated to Coupang or Korea’s digital regulations. USTR Greer told Fox News, “They [Korea] haven’t been able to get a bill through,” adding, “They have introduced new laws on digital services.”
South Korea HAS NOT upheld its end of the trade deal: US trade representative
YouTube video by Fox Business
www.youtube.com
January 28, 2026 at 4:10 PM
Seoul’s presidential office and foreign minister said Trump’s “back to 25 percent tariffs” move appears unrelated to Coupang or Korea’s digital regulations. USTR Greer told Fox News, “They [Korea] haven’t been able to get a bill through,” adding, “They have introduced new laws on digital services.”
WSJ Exclusive: "While Vance didn’t issue an explicit threat to [Korea's PM] Kim, the implication was that continued action against U.S. tech firms could mean more complications for the U.S.-South Korea trade deal, potentially leading to its unraveling and higher tariffs on South Korean goods..."
Exclusive | U.S. Warns Korea Against Targeting American Tech Firms Amid Trade Escalation
JD Vance warned Prime Minister Kim Min-seok against pursuing penalties and regulations on U.S.-based firms like Coupang
www.wsj.com
January 27, 2026 at 8:52 PM
WSJ Exclusive: "While Vance didn’t issue an explicit threat to [Korea's PM] Kim, the implication was that continued action against U.S. tech firms could mean more complications for the U.S.-South Korea trade deal, potentially leading to its unraveling and higher tariffs on South Korean goods..."
Amid debate in Seoul over why President Trump abruptly vowed to return to 25 percent tariffs, U.S. House Judiciary Republicans have disclosed a rationale for the move: Coupang
January 27, 2026 at 6:23 PM
Amid debate in Seoul over why President Trump abruptly vowed to return to 25 percent tariffs, U.S. House Judiciary Republicans have disclosed a rationale for the move: Coupang
As I noted earlier in my Korea Tech & Trade Watch piece, implementation is the ballgame, and the U.S. and South Korea are now back to square one.
January 26, 2026 at 10:42 PM
As I noted earlier in my Korea Tech & Trade Watch piece, implementation is the ballgame, and the U.S. and South Korea are now back to square one.
To investigate the company's understated numbers, police have summoned Harold Rogers, Coupang Korea’s acting head. However, Rogers has missed the first two summonses and has now been issued a third, having already left the country.
January 26, 2026 at 6:05 PM
To investigate the company's understated numbers, police have summoned Harold Rogers, Coupang Korea’s acting head. However, Rogers has missed the first two summonses and has now been issued a third, having already left the country.
Update on Coupang's data leak in Seoul: South Korean police said today that while it’s still unclear how much data was ultimately leaked, they believe the number of compromised accounts exceeds 30 million, directly at odds with Coupang’s claim that only about 3,000 account details were leaked.
경찰 "쿠팡유출 3천만건 이상"…로저스 출석 불응시 체포 검토 | 연합뉴스
(서울=연합뉴스) 이율립 기자 = 쿠팡의 대규모 개인정보 유출 사태와 관련해 경찰이 3천만건 이상의 계정이 유출된 것으로 보고 수사를 이어가고 ...
www.yna.co.kr
January 26, 2026 at 5:19 PM
Update on Coupang's data leak in Seoul: South Korean police said today that while it’s still unclear how much data was ultimately leaked, they believe the number of compromised accounts exceeds 30 million, directly at odds with Coupang’s claim that only about 3,000 account details were leaked.
South Korea’s PM Kim meets U.S. VP Vance, and discusses Coupang: "The South Korea–U.S. relationship, historically and under the Lee Jae-myung administration, has gone beyond a level where a specific corporations could sway it through lobbying."
Kim Min-seok cites Vance as urging mutual management of Coupang dispute
Kim Min-seok cites Vance as urging mutual management of Coupang dispute Prime minister stresses no bias toward U.S. firms as Vance urges calm, coordinated handling of Coupang case
biz.chosun.com
January 24, 2026 at 1:36 AM
South Korea’s PM Kim meets U.S. VP Vance, and discusses Coupang: "The South Korea–U.S. relationship, historically and under the Lee Jae-myung administration, has gone beyond a level where a specific corporations could sway it through lobbying."
The investors "have also filed arbitration claims against South Korea under the U.S.–Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), accusing Seoul of mounting a campaign against Coupang following a consumer data breach that has caused billions of dollars in losses for investors."
January 22, 2026 at 10:36 PM
The investors "have also filed arbitration claims against South Korea under the U.S.–Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), accusing Seoul of mounting a campaign against Coupang following a consumer data breach that has caused billions of dollars in losses for investors."
Two major U.S. investors in Coupang, Greenoaks and Altimeter, "have petitioned the U.S. government to investigate the South Korean government and potentially impose trade remedies over what they describe as discriminatory treatment of the e-commerce company."
January 22, 2026 at 10:35 PM
Two major U.S. investors in Coupang, Greenoaks and Altimeter, "have petitioned the U.S. government to investigate the South Korean government and potentially impose trade remedies over what they describe as discriminatory treatment of the e-commerce company."
NEW on Korea Tech & Trade Watch: I argue that S Korea – dominant in memory chipmaking – is next in Washington’s sights, and that the “no less favorable” treatment compared to Taiwan, which Washington promised Seoul earlier, may not be enough to shield Samsung and SK Hynix from the expected hit.
The “No Less Favorable” Test: Can South Korea’s Chipmakers Afford Parity under the New U.S.-Taiwan Deal?
The long-awaited U.S.-Taiwan deal on tariffs and investments has been released, and its chip tariff terms now sit at the center of Seoul’s attention.
koreattw.substack.com
January 22, 2026 at 3:04 PM
NEW on Korea Tech & Trade Watch: I argue that S Korea – dominant in memory chipmaking – is next in Washington’s sights, and that the “no less favorable” treatment compared to Taiwan, which Washington promised Seoul earlier, may not be enough to shield Samsung and SK Hynix from the expected hit.
“The investment will have to wait until the current foreign-exchange situation stabilizes... Capital outflows by companies and retail investors have weighed on the currency, though it's expected to settle, the person said, without elaborating if the South Korean government has any levels in mind.”
Korea to Delay $20 Billion US Investment on Currency Pressure
South Korea will hold off on fulfilling a pledge to invest as much as $20 billion in the US this year given the pressure on its currency, according to a person familiar with the matter.
www.bloomberg.com
January 21, 2026 at 2:40 AM
“The investment will have to wait until the current foreign-exchange situation stabilizes... Capital outflows by companies and retail investors have weighed on the currency, though it's expected to settle, the person said, without elaborating if the South Korean government has any levels in mind.”
Follow up: At a meeting with South Korea's trade minister Yeo, USTR's Greer reportedly raised the issue, asking, "Is the Korean government trying to bankrupt Coupang?" The USTR side was also said to have characterized the Korean government’s measures against Coupang as "close to harassment."
January 17, 2026 at 3:48 PM
Follow up: At a meeting with South Korea's trade minister Yeo, USTR's Greer reportedly raised the issue, asking, "Is the Korean government trying to bankrupt Coupang?" The USTR side was also said to have characterized the Korean government’s measures against Coupang as "close to harassment."