Coupang refused a field investigation by the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) regarding suspicions of violations of the Large Distribution Business Act and filed a lawsuit in court. Coupang argues that prior notice seven days before is necessary under the Administrative Investigation Basic Act, while the FTC counters that the Large Distribution Business Act applies the Fair Trade Act and therefore falls under an exception clause. This case is also analyzed as being influenced by criticism from the US political sphere that sanctions against Coupang are "discrimination against US companies." Coupang's refusal of a field investigation is unprecedented, and the FTC is preparing legal countermeasures in addition to imposing a maximum fine of 200 million won. However, the lawsuit is likely to take 3 to 4 years, and if Coupang's argument is accepted, the FTC's own field investigation methods could change.
