Washington:<Text>

U.S. lobbying reports revealed on Thursday that e-commerce giant Coupang Inc. has invested over US$1 million in lobbying activities in the United States. These efforts, which encompass engagements with the White House and Congress, have been ongoing since a significant data leak scandal in South Korea emerged last November.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Senate website for Lobbying Disclosure Act reports indicates that Coupang, a U.S.-listed company, reported spending $1.09 million during the first quarter of this year. A detailed report from a lobbying firm representing Coupang showed that their activities targeted various influential government bodies, including the Executive Office of the President, the Vice President, the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Commerce Department, and the U.S. Trade Representative.

This development arises amidst concerns that Coupang's extensive lobbying operations in the U.S. might hinder Seoul 's objectives to fortify its long-standing alliance with Washington, especially in light of shared challenges such as North Korea's nuclear threats. In January, South Korea's Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Washington. Following their meeting, Kim informed reporters that Vance emphasized the need for effective management of the Coupang issue to prevent any misunderstandings between the two governments.

Coupang's report highlighted that its lobbying activities involved discussions on the expanded use of its digital, retail, and logistics services by American small- and medium-sized enterprises, along with topics concerning U.S. job creation and economic growth. Lobbying firms also reported that their efforts focused on promoting U.S. exports and boosting trade and investment flows between North America, Asia, and Europe.