US Ambassador Michelle Steel Arrives in South Korea to Bolster Alliance

Michelle Park Steel, the first Korean‑American appointed by President Donald Trump as U.S. ambassador to South Korea, landed at Incheon International Airport on 30 May with her husband, Sean Steel. In a statement she called the U.S.–South Korea alliance “one of the strongest in the world” and pledged to work with Seoul to keep it the “core pillar of regional peace and security.”

Steel, a former California congresswoman, was confirmed by the Senate after a year‑and‑a‑half vacancy in the post. She said the government “exists to serve the people” and emphasized democratic values, human rights, and cooperation on security issues such as nuclear‑powered submarines, uranium enrichment, and North‑Korea’s missile program. Trade matters, including the construction of U.S. warships in Korea and the recent Coupang dispute, were also highlighted. Shortly after her remarks, a small protest group opposed her appointment, while other demonstrators welcomed her with U.S. and Korean flags. Steel is expected to submit her credentials to the South Korean foreign ministry within days and begin official duties.