U.S. Ambassador Nominee to Korea: "American Companies in Korea Must Receive Equal Treatment with Korean Companies"

Michelle Steel’s Senate Confirmation Hearing

Michelle Steel (age 70), the nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Korea, stressed the importance of “equal treatment” for American companies in Korea on May 20 (local time), stating that she would ensure that U.S. businesses, including Coupang, are not subjected to discrimination.

Michelle Steel Park, U.S. Ambassador to Korea. Michelle Steel Park social networking service (SNS)

During a confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington, D.C. on this day, Steel responded to some senators’ requests to ensure that American companies such as Coupang are not discriminated against in Korea by saying, “I will look into it.”

She referenced the joint fact sheet on trade and security agreements reached between the U.S. and Korean presidents last year, emphasizing, “It is clearly stated that U.S. companies should not be discriminated against and should not face unnecessary barriers. If I am confirmed, I will make sure to address this point.”

She further stressed, “Just as all Korean companies in the United States receive equal treatment with their American counterparts, so too should American companies in Korea be treated equally alongside Korean companies.”

This statement was made in response to a question from Senator Bill Hagerty, a Republican from Tennessee. Senator Hagerty mentioned Coupang and expressed concern, saying, “It is worrisome to see that some American tech companies appear to be facing discrimination in Korea. Please pay special attention to ensure that American businesses, especially tech companies, are not subject to any form of discriminatory treatment compared to not only Korean companies but also, for example, Chinese companies.”

In her opening statement, Steel also said, “American companies operating in Korea are entitled to the same market access as Korean companies enjoy in the United States.”

Senator Pete Ricketts, a Republican from Nebraska, pointed out Korea’s non-tariff barriers on U.S. agricultural products and the issue of reduced tariff rate quotas (TRQ) for U.S. soybeans, requesting that Korea’s promise to ease non-tariff barriers be upheld.

In response, Steel replied, “If I am confirmed, I will directly discuss issues related to agricultural trade, including soybeans, with the Korean government and relevant officials in charge of trade matters.”

Steel noted that the $350 billion Korean investment plan in the U.S., which was agreed upon by Korea and the U.S., lacks clarity, stating, “I want to verify exactly where that is coming from.” This indicated her recognition of the need to review the sources of investment and specific implementation plans.

She also pointed out that Korea’s trade surplus with the U.S. exceeds $50 billion, and stated that if confirmed, she would seek ways to increase U.S. exports to Korea.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire, noted the lack of clarity regarding the specific use of Korea’s $350 billion investment in the U.S., and requested that related information be shared transparently with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Steel replied, “I will do so.”

When Committee Chairman James Risch, a Republican from Idaho, mentioned the stark political, social, and economic differences between North and South Korea and asked for her views, Steel repeatedly referenced her parents’ status as refugees from North Korea, stating, “We all know how many people are suffering in North Korea.”

She added, “That is why a very strong alliance is needed among the United States, Japan, and Korea. This is not just about protecting Korea, but about safeguarding the entire Indo-Pacific region.”

In her opening statement at the hearing, Steel said, “The U.S.-Korea alliance has served as a key pillar supporting peace, security, and prosperity in Northeast Asia. Our combined defense posture, centered on the 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in Korea and reinforced by America’s extended nuclear deterrence, remains rock solid.”

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Steel as U.S. Ambassador to Korea on April 13. Steel will only be able to take up her post as ambassador after her confirmation passes both the Foreign Relations Committee and the full Senate. The position of U.S. Ambassador to Korea has remained vacant for over a year since former Ambassador Philip Goldberg, who was appointed by the previous Biden administration, left the post in January last year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.