By Kim Han-joo

SEOUL, Aug. 20 (Yonhap) -- Michelle Park Steel, the new U.S. ambassador to South Korea, met with representatives of the U.S. business community operating here Thursday, the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) said.

The meeting marked Steel's first gathering with senior executives from leading U.S. companies across key industries since she assumed her post earlier this month.

The discussion focused on key opportunities and challenges facing U.S. companies in South Korea, AMCHAM said.

The meeting also addressed potential areas of collaboration between the U.S. Embassy and AMCHAM, including Freedom 250 initiatives commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Steel underscored her commitment to working closely with AMCHAM to address challenges facing U.S. businesses, improve the business environment and identify new opportunities for the U.S. economy.

"Building on our ongoing collaboration on Freedom 250 initiatives, AMCHAM looks forward to supporting American businesses, expanding bilateral trade and investment, and advancing our shared priorities." AMCHAM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) James Kim was quoted by the chamber as saying.

Steel became the second Korean American ambassador to serve as U.S. ambassador to the country. Her arrival ended an 18-month vacancy in the post, following the departure of former Ambassador Philip Goldberg, who served from July 2022 to January 2025.

khj@yna.co.kr

(END)

  • N. Korea silent on Lee's proposal for dialogue to officially end Korean War
  • (2nd LD) Lee proposes dialogue with N. Korea to officially end Korean War, halt Pyongyang's nuclear program
  • (LEAD) Gov't aims to supply over 230,000 additional homes in Seoul metropolitan area to tame housing prices
  • (2nd LD) Gov't aims to supply over 230,000 additional homes in Seoul metropolitan area to tame housing prices

  • (LEAD) Lee reiterates support for four-year, two-term presidential system

  • N. Korea silent on Lee's proposal for dialogue to officially end Korean War

  • Trump signs memo permitting foreign shipbuilders to build up to 2 U.S. ships in their shipyards
  • (LEAD) Lee reiterates support for four-year, two-term presidential system
  • (2nd LD) Lee proposes dialogue with N. Korea to officially end Korean War, halt Pyongyang's nuclear program

  • Bill Gates in S. Korea to discuss cooperation in next-generation nuclear reactors

  • Death penalty sought for woman accused of killing 2 men with laced drinks

  • Seoul not notified in advance of Trump's order to scale back drills: FM Cho
  • N. Korea warns of 'self-defense' measures despite Trump's order to reduce drills with S. Korea
  • (LEAD) N.K. leader's sister says Pyongyang more focused on S. Korea-U.S. drills continuing than reduced scale
  • (3rd LD) Trump says he will meet N. Korea's Kim this year, puts N.K. nukes at 57