Coupang fined $409 million in record penalty, sparking Seoul‑Washington tension

South Korea’s competition authority has imposed a record penalty on Coupang. The e‑commerce platform was fined $409 million for alleged violations. Coupang is incorporated in the United States but operates primarily in South Korea. Regulators said the fine stems from a lengthy investigation into its business practices. The decision has triggered diplomatic friction between the Seoul government and Washington. Officials in Seoul view the penalty as enforcement of fair‑competition rules. U.S. officials expressed concern over the impact on an American‑incorporated firm. The case highlights growing scrutiny of large tech firms in Asian markets.