The House Judiciary Committee, under Chairman Jim Jordan (R‑OH), sharply framed President Donald Trump’s decision to raise U.S. tariffs on South Korea as a necessary response to the country’s treatment of American firms like Coupang.
Trump announced on Monday that he was increasing tariffs on South Korea from 15 percent to 25 percent due to Seoul’s failure to enact a trade agreement that he called “historic.” In a Truth Social post, the president explained that while the U.S. has fulfilled its obligations under the July 30, 2025 deal and reaffirmed terms in October, the Korean legislature has yet to approve the agreement. “Our Trade Deals are very important to America… Why hasn’t the Korean Legislature approved it?” he wrote, adding that the tariff hike would apply to autos, lumber, pharmaceuticals, and other reciprocal duties.
Jordan’s committee echoed that sentiment in a statement, saying this tariff action is what happens “when you unfairly target American companies like Coupang.” The controversy stems in part from a major foreign data breach at Coupang and subsequent regulatory actions by South Korean authorities that critics — including major American investors — argue were heavy‑handed and discriminatory. Those backers contend the incident was overhyped and leveraged to benefit domestic and Chinese competitors, and they pressed U.S. officials to investigate.
Sen. Mike Lee (R‑UT) weighed in as well, calling South Korea’s actions “unprecedented persecution.” Lee argued that the government’s legal pressure on Coupang and its U.S.‑based executives is unacceptable, likening it to a hypothetical scenario where the U.S. would threaten prosecution of major Korean exporters simply for selling to Americans. He urged Seoul to ensure fair access for Coupang in its market.
Tech investor Joe Lonsdale also criticized South Korean authorities, saying their approach mirrored tactics seen in China and warning that such moves hurt trade relations, Korean workers, and economic growth. He praised investors who stood up for American founders and said free and fair trade must be upheld.
The tariff escalation marks a significant moment in U.S.–South Korea economic relations, signaling strong pressure from Washington when allied governments take actions perceived to disadvantage American companies. Supporters of Trump’s move argue it defends U.S. interests and American business competitiveness, while critics caution it could strain diplomatic ties and complicate global trade cooperation.
