Coupang refused a field investigation by the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) into suspicions of passing on discount costs. Coupang argued that notification should be given seven days before the start of the investigation under the Administrative Investigation Basic Act and filed a lawsuit to suspend the investigative effect, halting the field investigation. This is the first case where a field investigation related to the Large-Scale Distribution Business Act has been thwarted, and the FTC is considering follow-up measures. Coupang has been investigated by the FTC several times in the past, but this is the first time it has refused a field investigation itself. The incident is attracting further attention as arguments are being raised in US political circles that the Korean government is discriminating against US companies, including Coupang.
