U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Park Steel emphasized the "unwavering trust" in the U.S.-South Korea alliance, stating, "At this critical time, we must come together to open the next chapter of our alliance, ensuring it remains results-oriented and future-focused."
In a guest column titled "U.S.-South Korea Alliance: Strong, Modern, and Results-Oriented," Steel expressed hope for continued cooperation with South Korea to maintain the alliance as a cornerstone for peace and security in the region while meeting the needs of both nations.
"Together, we will build an alliance that is safer, stronger, and more prosperous than ever, as envisioned by President Donald Trump," she said.
Steel noted that Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung opened a "new chapter" in the alliance during their meeting in Gyeongju last October, adding, "I will do my utmost to faithfully implement the vision presented by President Trump in Gyeongju."
She highlighted that under Trump's leadership, the U.S. is modernizing and deepening the U.S.-South Korea alliance in unprecedented ways, urging collaboration to rebuild and expand key industries, respond to strategic threats to the alliance, and uphold shared democratic principles.
During the October meeting, the two leaders reached agreements on tariffs and security, which were announced in a joint fact sheet in November. The agreements included a $350 billion investment from South Korea to rebuild and expand key industries in the U.S., U.S. tariff reductions, increased South Korean defense spending, and leadership in joint conventional defense against North Korea, all aimed at modernizing the alliance and coordinating on issues related to the Korean Peninsula and the region.
"Since 1953, the U.S.-South Korea alliance has served as a linchpin for peace, security, and prosperity in Northeast Asia, the broader Indo-Pacific region, and beyond," Steel stated. "Our economic ties, combined defense posture, and enduring friendship between our peoples are evidence of a partnership that benefits both nations and maintains regional stability."
She acknowledged that many challenges remain, stating, "We must not underestimate these challenges. While we have made excellent progress on many shared priorities, other issues require more attention, candid dialogue, and a willingness from both sides to seek paths to mutual benefit beyond our differences."
Born in Seoul in 1955 and immigrating to the U.S. in 1975, Steel described many Korean American families like hers as "living proof of the enduring ties between our two countries." She shared that her mother, who ran a small clothing store, faced unfair treatment from tax authorities, which inspired her to pursue a career in public service.
"I am deeply honored and humbled to take on the responsibility of returning to the country where I was born to work for the American people on behalf of President Trump," she said.
In a guest column titled "U.S.-South Korea Alliance: Strong, Modern, and Results-Oriented," Steel expressed hope for continued cooperation with South Korea to maintain the alliance as a cornerstone for peace and security in the region while meeting the needs of both nations.
"Together, we will build an alliance that is safer, stronger, and more prosperous than ever, as envisioned by President Donald Trump," she said.
Steel noted that Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung opened a "new chapter" in the alliance during their meeting in Gyeongju last October, adding, "I will do my utmost to faithfully implement the vision presented by President Trump in Gyeongju."
She highlighted that under Trump's leadership, the U.S. is modernizing and deepening the U.S.-South Korea alliance in unprecedented ways, urging collaboration to rebuild and expand key industries, respond to strategic threats to the alliance, and uphold shared democratic principles.
During the October meeting, the two leaders reached agreements on tariffs and security, which were announced in a joint fact sheet in November. The agreements included a $350 billion investment from South Korea to rebuild and expand key industries in the U.S., U.S. tariff reductions, increased South Korean defense spending, and leadership in joint conventional defense against North Korea, all aimed at modernizing the alliance and coordinating on issues related to the Korean Peninsula and the region.
"Since 1953, the U.S.-South Korea alliance has served as a linchpin for peace, security, and prosperity in Northeast Asia, the broader Indo-Pacific region, and beyond," Steel stated. "Our economic ties, combined defense posture, and enduring friendship between our peoples are evidence of a partnership that benefits both nations and maintains regional stability."
She acknowledged that many challenges remain, stating, "We must not underestimate these challenges. While we have made excellent progress on many shared priorities, other issues require more attention, candid dialogue, and a willingness from both sides to seek paths to mutual benefit beyond our differences."
Born in Seoul in 1955 and immigrating to the U.S. in 1975, Steel described many Korean American families like hers as "living proof of the enduring ties between our two countries." She shared that her mother, who ran a small clothing store, faced unfair treatment from tax authorities, which inspired her to pursue a career in public service.
"I am deeply honored and humbled to take on the responsibility of returning to the country where I was born to work for the American people on behalf of President Trump," she said.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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