President Lee Jae Myung poses with U.S. Ambassador to Korea Michelle Steel, left, and her husband, attorney Shawn Steel, during a credentials presentation ceremony at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae
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 their first formal introduction, Lee and Steel only exchanged brief greetings and posed for a commemorative photo, without discussing sensitive diplomatic issues.
Steel, who arrived in Korea on July 30 to take up her post, has carried out an active public outreach, visiting Gwanghwamun and Namdaemun Market in central Seoul shortly after her arrival.
