South Korean lawmakers condemn Coupang's refusal of FTC inspections

During a National Assembly audit of the Fair Trade Commission, legislators from the Democratic Party and the People Power Party rebuked e-commerce giant Coupang for repeatedly refusing on-site inspections since August. Representatives Min Byoung-dug and Park Sung-hoon argued that the company's obstruction threatens the credibility of the FTC and could set a dangerous precedent for other large retailers. They noted that Coupang is the first firm to reject an FTC raid since the 2012 legal framework was introduced, and suggested legislative measures to curb such behavior.

The FTC maintains that surprise inspections are permissible to avoid evidence destruction, but Coupang invoked the Framework Act on Administrative Investigations, demanding prior notice. Committee chair Yoo Dong-soo called for new laws to guarantee procedural justice, while FTC chair Ju Biung-ghi warned that allowing the refusal would harm the public interest. The dispute highlights tension between a US-listed company operating in South Korea and domestic regulatory authority.