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 held his first meeting with the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Korea, Michelle Steel, on Wednesday. The gathering marked the occasion of her receiving credentials from four additional foreign diplomats. Steel, recognized for her conservative ideologies, initially raised concerns that her political stance might conflict with the progressive policies of President Lee's administration.
However, the ceremony's primary purpose was to facilitate a formal introduction between the two. Thus, President Lee and Ambassador Steel engaged in a short exchange of greetings and posed for a commemorative photograph, avoiding discussions on delicate diplomatic matters. Her husband, Shawn Steel, an attorney, joined her at the ceremony.
Steel arrived in Korea on July 30 and has been actively engaging with the public, visiting key locations such as Gwanghwamun and Namdaemun Market in central Seoul following her arrival. As a Korean-American politician, she has highlighted her personal ties to Korea and aimed to strengthen the bond between Korea and Korean society through what has been termed "soft diplomacy."
Born in Seoul in 1955, Steel's parents fled North Korea during the Korean War, ultimately settling in the South.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
