South Korea's Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan stated the Coupang data breach issue will not shake the US-Korea alliance. Speaking at a Kwanhun forum, Kim described US politicians' response to Coupang as an 'overreaction' while noting US Commerce Department and USTR understand Korea's position. The minister's remarks address ongoing tensions between Washington and Seoul over the handling of the Coupang personal data leak incident.
Minister Kim Addresses Coupang Issue and US-Korea Relations
Kim stated at the forum that "the Coupang issue is not shallow enough to shake the essence of US-Korea relations and the alliance." He noted a temperature difference exists within the US between politicians and trade authorities regarding the Coupang issue.
"When I meet with American politicians, I think they overreact tremendously to Coupang," Kim said. He added that the US Commerce Department and USTR understand the essence of the issue from a perspective similar to the Korean government's.
The minister emphasized that if the Korean government had truly disadvantaged Coupang, the company could not have grown at such a rapid pace. He mentioned that the US misunderstands Coupang as a channel for importing American agricultural, fishery and livestock products.
Kim stressed that "US-Korea relations are much deeper and stronger," adding "it is regrettable that we did not dispel the misunderstanding about Coupang from the beginning. Related agencies are working to resolve America's misunderstanding and doing their best to narrow the gap."
![Minister Kim Jung-kwan attending Kwanhun forum]()
Minister Kim Jung-kwan attending Kwanhun forum [Photo: Reporter Yoon Eun-byul]
Honam Region Selected for Semiconductor Cluster Due to Power Constraints
Regarding the selection of the Honam region as a major semiconductor cluster area, Kim explained the decision was inevitable considering power and water supply shortages in the capital region.
"If I could, I would like to build a nuclear power plant in the capital region," Kim said, "but there are things that cannot be done there and must go to regional areas."
The minister stated "the reality is that we cannot supply tens of GW of power for semiconductors in the capital region anymore," adding "in that reality, the semiconductor factory that can be built in the capital region is effectively the last one in Yongin, and even Yongin has limitations."
Kim assessed the technological progress speed of Chinese semiconductor companies as "chilling enough to give goosebumps." He re-emphasized that Korean semiconductor companies should invest funds rather than socially 'sharing' profits. He went further to say the government should actually add tens of trillions of won, viewing power infrastructure construction as fulfilling that role.
Minister Expresses Strong Support for Nuclear Power Expansion
Kim strongly expressed a positive stance on new nuclear power plant construction. He also stated that nuclear power has contributed greatly to the industrialization process.
"I don't think the current government is 'anti-nuclear'," Kim emphasized, "I am inherently a person who supports nuclear power."
He added "I don't relate to the distinction that progressives oppose nuclear power and conservatives support it."
Kim emphasized that in countries like Korea with limitations on renewable energy, nuclear power is inevitable for stable power supply, and that this is the administration's direction.
FAQ
What did Minister Kim say about the Coupang issue affecting US-Korea relations?
Minister Kim Jung-kwan stated at a Kwanhun forum that the Coupang data breach issue will not shake the US-Korea alliance. He described the alliance as "much deeper and stronger" than to be affected by this single issue.
Why was the Honam region selected for the semiconductor cluster?
Kim explained the selection was inevitable due to power and water supply shortages in the capital region. He stated the capital region cannot supply tens of GW of additional power needed for semiconductor manufacturing, making Yongin effectively the last possible semiconductor factory location in that area.
What is Minister Kim's position on nuclear power plant construction?
Kim strongly supports new nuclear power plant construction, stating "I am inherently a person who supports nuclear power." He emphasized nuclear power is inevitable for stable electricity supply in countries like Korea with renewable energy limitations.
