Seoul Workers Rally Against U.S. Report Accusing Coupang of Discriminatory Practices

A fiery protest erupted in central Seoul on Wednesday as workers and activists gathered to denounce a recent U.S. government report alleging discriminatory treatment by South Korean e-commerce giant Coupang. The demonstration, organized by a coalition of labor rights groups, saw dozens of participants waving placards and chanting slogans outside the company’s headquarters.

The controversy stems from a report released by the United States Trade Representative (USTR), which claims that Coupang engages in unfair labor practices and discriminatory workplace policies. According to the USTR findings, the company has been accused of targeting specific employee demographics, including migrant workers, with substandard working conditions and limited access to benefits. The report has sparked a firestorm of debate in South Korea, with many viewing it as an unwarranted external interference in local business affairs.

“This is a direct attack on our sovereignty and the integrity of Korean companies,” said Park Min-jun, a protest leader from the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. “We demand that the U.S. retract these baseless accusations and respect our labor laws. Coupang has played a vital role in our economy, and these claims are nothing but a smear campaign.”

Coupang, often hailed as the “Amazon of South Korea,” has vehemently denied the allegations, stating that its policies fully comply with local and international labor standards. The company’s representatives have called for a transparent investigation to clear their name. Meanwhile, the rally highlights growing tensions between Seoul and Washington over trade practices, as local businesses fear being caught in a geopolitical crossfire. As the day wore on, protesters vowed to escalate their efforts unless the report is officially denounced by South Korean officials, signaling that this dispute is far from over.