New US ambassador meets S. Korea’s top diplomat flanked by her politician husband

Newly appointed U.S. Ambassador Michelle Steel began her tenure in South Korea with a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, signaling a focus on strengthening bilateral ties. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul, was Steel's initial official engagement after submitting her credentials.

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Steel is believed to communicate directly with those in Washington, so we are hopeful that we can use that direct line to resolve the various difficulties that Korea-US relations currently face.

During the approximately 30-minute meeting, Cho and Steel are understood to have touched upon key areas of Korea-U.S. relations, including South Korea's investment pledges in the U.S., security consultations, and matters related to the e-commerce platform Coupang. However, the discussions were reportedly kept at a general level, framed as an "introduction" to developing bilateral relations, with more in-depth talks anticipated in the future.

The South Korean government views Ambassador Steel's appointment with optimism, particularly given her reported close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump. Officials expressed hope that Steel's direct line of communication to Washington could prove instrumental in addressing various ongoing challenges in the relationship between the two countries. Ministry spokesperson Park Doo-soon stated that the government looks forward to Steel's contributions to strengthening ties and promoting friendship between the two nations.

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We look forward to Steel’s contribution to strengthening Korea-US relations, the promotion of friendship between US and Korean citizens, and other issues.

Adding an unusual element to the ambassador's first official appearance, Steel was accompanied by her husband, attorney Shawn Steel. A senior Foreign Ministry official described this as a "special case," noting that Shawn Steel, a prominent Republican politician with extensive connections within and outside the Trump administration, could potentially benefit the bilateral relationship. Shawn Steel has been present with his wife at various public events since her arrival in South Korea.

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Shawn Steel is a prominent politician affiliated with the Republican Party, and has widespread connections both within and outside the Trump administration, so we believe that this will benefit Korea-US relations.