By Nam Hyun-woo
Coupang's proposed plan to offer its shares on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is rekindling a debate over the necessity of dual-class shares in Korea, where a one-share-one-vote regime is mandated.
Those supporting the dual-class system say it helps startups and venture companies raise investments without concerns about protecting their managing rights, while others argue the system would only assist Korea's family-owned companies' long-time practice of controlling their corporate empire with a small stake.
Coupang filed for its initial public offering (IPO) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to debut on the NYSE. In doing so, the company said it has no plans to file for an IPO in Korea. Though the company did not elaborate on its rationale for ignoring on the Korean bourse, industry officials say the company made the decision in order to issue dual-class shares.