Steel stresses that Korea and US must ‘handle sensitive conversations responsibly’

Still from a YouTube video produced by the US Embassy to mark Ambassador Michelle Steel’s first 100 days in office.

The US’ top envoy to Korea stressed that it is the responsibility of the two allies to “follow through on our commitments” to future generations and to “handle sensitive conversations responsibly and keep the trust that is the foundation of our alliance.”

US Ambassador to Korea Michelle Steel made the remarks in an interview marking her first 100 days in office. The interview was posted to YouTube by the US Embassy in Seoul on Monday. 

 When asked what message she has for young Koreans, Steel said that the Korea-US alliance “matters because we know that we can trust one another when it matters the most.”

 “For more than 70 years, our alliance has helped deter conflict and defend Korea. That remains essential,” she added.

Steel reiterated the importance of mutual trust while stating that her three main goals as ambassador are “modernizing our alliance, expanding economic opportunities and working with Korea to address regional challenges.”

“None of these things can happen without trust and communication. Trust means celebrating our shared accomplishments together. Good communication means working through our differences thoughtfully,” she said.

Steel went on: “My goals are broader than just security and economic partnership. It is about Korea’s growing leadership across the region.”

The ambassador also stressed that Korean investment in the US benefits both countries.

 “Investment in the United States creates jobs and strengthens our industrial capacity. For Korean companies, it can also mean closer relationships with customers and new opportunities to grow,” she said.

Steel cited batteries and shipbuilding as major areas of bilateral cooperation, pointing to LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI, both of which manufacture batteries in the US.

 She also voiced her hopes for cooperation between the two countries on nuclear energy.

 “One exciting example is our growing cooperation on small modular reactors, or SMRs, and other advanced nuclear technologies,” she said. “By combining American innovation with Korea’s extensive experience in nuclear engineering and construction, we are together exploring new opportunities in the United States and across the region.”

Steel took the interview as an opportunity to elaborate on her assertion that “economic security is national security,” a comment she made during a luncheon hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea last month.

 “It means having dependable access to things our countries need — from energy to semiconductors and the materials used in batteries,” she explained.

When asked about Japan’s place in these cooperative ventures, Steel said that when Korea, the US and Japan share information and coordinate their efforts, that “can help us respond to disruptions and address common security challenges.”

The interview was filmed at Habib House, the US ambassador’s residence in downtown Seoul, with questions presented by Nicholas Namba, the embassy’s minister-counselor for public affairs.