New U.S. Ambassador Steel meets FM Cho, submits credentials

Michelle Park Steel, the newest U.S. ambassador to South Korea, arrived in the country on August 4 to commence her official duties. Upon her arrival, she met with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and submitted a copy of her credentials. This action was a formal step in the diplomatic protocol, which allows newly arrived ambassadors to assume their positions before the official presentation ceremony with the head of state.

Accompanied by her husband, Shawn Steel, Michelle Park Steel paid a courtesy call on Minister Cho at Seoul's foreign ministry. The two discussed measures to strengthen bilateral relations. Michelle Park Steel became the second Korean American ambassador to serve in this capacity, filling an 18-month post left vacant after Philip Goldberg's departure in January 2025.

This appointment arrives at a critical juncture for U.S.-South Korean relations, with numerous issues on the horizon, including Seoul's regulatory action against Coupang for a major data breach, U.S. investments in South Korea, and the South's efforts to develop nuclear-powered submarines.