Photo : YONHAP News / Reuters
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says concerns over South Korea’s treatment of American companies like Coupang and Meta has “impacted” Washington’s ability to conclude a trade agreement with Seoul.
Rubio’s comment came at a congressional hearing on Wednesday, after Republican Congressman Darrell Issa said South Korea’s democracy had “taken a strong bent to the left,” leaned more toward China, and that the government there has begun to “oppress” U.S. firms.
The secretary of state said American companies aren’t just facing challenges, but are getting “targeted” in South Korea, as they also face similar treatment across Europe.
Rubio said such treatment by Seoul becomes a feature in Washington’s engagement with the country, even if the two sides have things they are “strategically aligned on.”
South Korea’s handling of the data breach case at Coupang and U.S. concerns were reportedly discussed betwen Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Rubio in February, but it is the first time that the secretary of state has openly talked the matter.