New US Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel pens op-ed on alliance

Steel, who is of Korean-American heritage, drew a personal connection to public service, inspired by her mother's experience with an unfair tax assessment on her small business. This experience, she stated, motivated her to enter public service with a belief that leaders must serve the people and support entrepreneurs and innovators.

She underscored the alliance's historical significance, forged in war and secured by sacrifice, and its role as the "linchpin of peace, security, and prosperity for Northeast Asia, the broader Indo-Pacific, and beyond" since 1953. Under President Donald J. Trump's leadership, the U.S. is modernizing and deepening this alliance, according to Steel. She referenced a meeting in Gyeongju where President Trump and President Lee opened a new chapter, with Trump being the first U.S. leader to make a second state visit to South Korea.

As President Trump's representative, Steel pledged to execute his vision for the alliance, focusing on rebuilding critical industries, addressing strategic threats, and defending shared democratic principles. She acknowledged that challenges remain and require frank conversations and a willingness to set aside differences for mutual benefit, expressing confidence that combined efforts will strengthen the relationship for decades to come.