Coupang boosts U.S. lobbying spend and leans Democratic in 2024 midterms

According to recent Lobbying Disclosure Act filings, Coupang incurred $3.62 million in lobbying costs through September, a sharp increase from $1.69 million the year before. The company’s lobbying efforts focus on the Executive Office of the President, the State and Commerce departments, the U.S. Trade Representative and Senate committees, citing the protection of U.S. firms operating in Korea. Separate Federal Election Commission reports reveal that Coupang’s PAC, Coupac, contributed $185,000 to lawmakers and committees, an 18 percent rise from the prior year.

Democrats captured $102,000 of that total, up 45.7 percent, while Republicans received $83,000, a slight decline. Notable Democratic donations included $5,000 to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and contributions to leaders with Korean-American ties. Republican recipients included House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith and Judiciary Committee members who have previously supported Coupang’s interests. The pattern reflects expectations that Democrats may win back the House and possibly the Senate in the upcoming November 3 elections.