Overview Stats on Coupang Lobbying

Total Politicians Directly Supported: 29 federal lawmakers
- 8 Senators
- 21 House Members
Total Political Contributions (2023-2025): $1.32 million (~1.8 billion won)
- Individual lawmakers: $320,000+
- Party organizations and Trump Inaugural Committee: ~$1 million

The List of Notable Contribution

1. Adrian Smith (R) – House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman

Total Contributions: $17,500
- First half 2024: $7,500 (3 donations)
- Second half 2024: $10,000 (2 donations)
Quote: "Based on my observations, Korea continues to pursue legislation clearly targeting American companies. Korean regulators are aggressively targeting American tech companies. One example is discriminatory regulatory measures against Coupang."
Action: Led criticism of Korea at Ways and Means Committee hearing

2. Carol Miller (R) – House Member

Total Contributions: $10,250
- First half 2024: $250
- Second half 2024: $10,000
Quote: "The Korean National Assembly continues to push forward legislation targeting American companies, including the recently passed 'censorship bill' (amendments to the Information and Communications Network Act), and has recently begun a political witch hunt against two American executives."
Action: Accused Korea of conducting "political witch hunt" against Kim Bum-seok and Harold Rogers
Connection: Former senior policy advisor Joseph Faulkner became Coupang lobbyist with Akin Gump in 2024

3. Suzan DelBene (D) – House Member (Washington State)

Total Contributions: $15,000
- Started second half 2025
Quote: "Korea must provide fair treatment to (American tech companies) within the Korean legal system. However, what I'm hearing from companies like Coupang in our (Washington) state is that Korean regulatory authorities are already violating these promises."
Action: Criticized Korean regulatory authorities at Ways and Means Committee
Connection: Former Legislative Director and Counsel Lauren Rubin became Coupang lobbyist with Akin Gump in Q1 2025
Note: Represents Washington state where Coupang Inc. headquarters is located

4. Darrell Issa (R) – House Member

Total Contributions: $5,000 (second half 2024)
Quotes/Actions:
- January 13 X/Twitter post: "Met with Industry Minister Yeo Han-koo (visiting the U.S.) and clearly stated the unfair treatment of Coupang"
- Added: "There will be consequences if the state leads hostility toward American companies and citizens"
- January 28 X/Twitter post: Shared Trump's statement about raising tariffs on Korea to 25%, calling it a "fair warning to Korea for targeting American companies and Americans, especially Coupang"
Connection: Former Legislative Director and Deputy Chief of Staff Tyler Grimm became Coupang lobbyist with Miller Strategies in 2024

5. Jason Smith (R) – House Ways and Means Committee Chairman

Total Contributions: $20,000 (LARGEST individual contribution)
- First half 2025: $15,000
- Second half 2025: $5,000

6. Mark Warner (D) – Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman

Total Contributions: $8,000
- 2023: $2,500 (FIRST politician to receive Coupang contributions)
- 2024: $500
- 2025: $5,000
Note: Senate Intelligence Committee oversees U.S. national security and foreign policy

7. Ted Cruz (R) – Senator

8. Andy Kim (D) – Senator

9. Young Kim (R) – House Member

10. Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee

Posted by Freewhale98