Ambassador Steel invites political leaders for discussions on troop deployment and investment
U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel hosted a dinner on September 21 at the ambassador's residence in Jung-gu, Seoul, inviting leaders from both major political parties.
According to political sources, the dinner was organized at Steel's invitation, with Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok, People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk, and Song Seok-jun, chairman of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, in attendance.
Steel, a prominent Korean American figure within the Republican Party and a close associate of former President Donald Trump, has been actively engaging with the local community since her arrival, aided by her proficiency in Korean.
Recently, Steel met with the leaders of both parties in the National Assembly on September 15 and participated in a rice harvesting volunteer event with former Gwangju mayor Min Hyung-bae in Gokseong, Jeollanam-do, on September 19.
Delays in U.S. investment announcement hinge on commercial viability
Negotiations for a strategic $200 billion investment between South Korea and the U.S. are facing last-minute challenges. The announcement of the first investment project, initially expected in mid-September, has been postponed, with the focus now on ensuring 'commercial viability' to secure final agreements.
On September 21, relevant government departments and political circles indicated that the National Assembly would receive a confidential report from the government regarding the U.S. investment on September 22. The Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will report on the negotiation progress to their respective committees.
Previously, there was strong consideration for signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between South Korea and the U.S. the day after the project report was presented to the National Assembly on September 17. However, discussions over specific investment conditions with the U.S. have not concluded, leading to delays in both the National Assembly report and the project announcement.
President Lee heads to New York, focusing on practical diplomacy
President Lee Jae-myung is set to visit New York and Mexico until September 27. During his trip, he will deliver a keynote address at the United Nations General Assembly, outlining his vision for UN reform and peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula, while also seeking to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, advanced industries, and culture during his first state visit to Mexico in 16 years.
President Lee departed for New York from Seongnam's Seoul Airport on the afternoon of September 21. Amid stagnant approval ratings due to recent cabinet nominee controversies and social media disputes, he aims to find a breakthrough through achievements in multilateral diplomacy and economic relations.
National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lak held a briefing on the morning of the same day, stating, "We will present directions for UN reform to address global issues and outline South Korea's contributions, as well as a blueprint for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula."
President Lee is scheduled to deliver his keynote address at the UN General Assembly on September 22 (local time). Following North Korea's recent short-range ballistic missile launches, there is keen interest in whether he will address principles for responding to North Korean provocations and propose dialogue to ease tensions on the peninsula.
Korean women's table tennis team defeats Kazakhstan, advances in Asian Games
The South Korean women's table tennis team achieved a decisive victory over Kazakhstan, marking their second consecutive win in the team event and securing a spot in the quarterfinals.
On September 20, the team triumphed 3-0 against Kazakhstan in their second group stage match of the women's team event at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, held at Sky Hall Toyota in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. This victory followed an earlier 3-0 win against the Maldives, solidifying their position at the top of the group.
Leading the charge was 'ace' Shin Yu-bin, who displayed overwhelming performance. She won the first match 11-6, followed by a 11-2 victory in the second game, and concluded with another 11-6 win. Shin Yu-bin had rested during the match against the Maldives.
In the second match, the naturalized player Joo Cheon-hee shone brightly, winning all three games (11-3, 11-2, 11-5) by more than double the score. In the third match, Kim Na-young lost the first game 6-11 but regained focus to win the next three games (11-5, 11-4, 11-7), securing the overall victory.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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