Seoul: Michelle Park Steel, the newly appointed U.S. ambassador to South Korea, held a meeting with representatives of the U.S. business community operating in the region, the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) reported. This marked Steel's inaugural engagement with senior executives from prominent U.S. companies across various key industries since her recent appointment.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the discussions during the meeting revolved around the primary opportunities and challenges facing U.S. companies in South Korea. The meeting also explored potential collaboration areas between the U.S. Embassy and AMCHAM, particularly in initiatives like Freedom 250, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Steel emphasized her dedication to working alongside AMCHAM to tackle challenges faced by U.S. businesses, enhance the business environment, and identify new economic opportunities for the United States. She stressed the importance of collaboration in advancing mutual interests.

AMCHAM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) James Kim highlighted the chamber's commitment to supporting American businesses and expanding bilateral trade and investment. "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," Kim remarked.

Steel's appointment as the second Korean American to serve as the U.S. ambassador to South Korea concluded an 18-month vacancy in the position, following the departure of former Ambassador Philip Goldberg, who served from July 2022 to January 2025.