President meets new US ambassador for 1st time
President Lee Jae Myung met new U.S. Ambassador to Korea Michelle Steel for the first time, Wednesday, as he received credentials from four new foreign envoys. The meeting drew attention because Steel, known for her strongly conservative views, had prompted concerns that she could clash with the policy direction of Lee’s progressive administration. However, as the ceremony primarily served as…
President Lee Jae Myung received credentials from four new foreign envoys, including the U.S. Ambassador to Korea Michelle Steel, for the first time on Wednesday. Steel's conservative stance had raised concerns about potential disagreements with Lee's progressive policies, but their meeting focused on a simple introduction. The ceremony primarily consisted of brief greetings and a commemorative photo, with no discussion of sensitive diplomatic matters.
Steel, who arrived in Korea on July 30, has been actively engaging with the public, visiting Gwanghwamun and Namdaemun Market in central Seoul. As a Korean American, she has expressed her personal connection to Korea and aims to strengthen ties between the two nations through "soft diplomacy." Born in Seoul in 1955 to parents who fled North Korea during the Korean War, Steel spent her middle and high school years in Japan.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
