A recent U.S. House Judiciary Committee report, "Closed for Competition," alleges that South Korea has targeted American businesses, specifically mentioning the e-commerce company Coupang, which is based in Seattle. Despite South Korea's historical alliance with the U.S. and its reliance on American security, the report claims Seoul has implemented discriminatory investigations, burdensome regulations, and punitive enforcement measures.

These actions, according to the report, have disadvantaged U.S. companies while favoring domestic Korean rivals. Furthermore, South Korea's National Assembly has advanced legislation perceived as anticompetitive, potentially hindering U.S. companies' ability to compete in the South Korean market. This situation suggests a growing strain on the economic relationship between the two nations, despite their strong geopolitical ties.

The report details a "coordinated campaign" of regulatory and legal actions. The National Assembly's recent legislative moves are seen as further evidence of policies that may not be conducive to fair competition for foreign enterprises. This development raises questions about the future of U.S. business operations within South Korea.