LG 5K Ultrafine and 12inch Macbook (USB-C Connection Cycling Issues)

I just purchased the latest revision of the 27in 5K (the one that supports 4K over USB-C), which I'm using with my 12 inch MacBook until I upgrade to a MacBook Pro later this year.

I have had no video issues with the USB-C to USB-C connection (since the 12in MacBook does not support Thunderbolt), but I've had pervasive issues with audio, webcam, and USB-C peripherals cycling in and out of connection (e.g. the audio output will switch from my laptop to the monitor speakers every 5-10 seconds, since the computer cycles between recognizing the USB connection of the monitor and not. Additionally, the monitor isn't responding to the brightness slider in display settings.

I've done SMC reset, NVRAM, factory reset, updated to Catalina etc to no avail, I can't get the connection to stick, not even to conduct a firmware update with the LG Screen Utility app.

Could it be a faulty USB-C cable, or a broader issue? I'd like to determine whether or not this is an issue with my laptop or with the monitor, before purchasing a laptop only to find that the monitor is faulty.

If anyone has experienced this issue, I'd appreciate it if you could share your experience or any other solutions. Thanks!