A US trade and technology expert has criticized South Korean regulators for applying rules unevenly in ways that disadvantage US companies, warning that Seoul’s approach to digital regulation could undermine the expanding US-Korea trade and technology alliance. He argued that Korea risks creating broader trade friction with Washington even as the two countries deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing. “Deep trade friction over digital issues threatens the very trust needed for the bilateral relationship to thrive,” Cory said. “The KFTC will argue that large fines simply reflect large market positions,” Cory wrote. “But market share alone fails to explain which cases get opened, how they’re publicized, or how many Korean regulatory agencies then pile on, often to the benefit of local competitors.”