Nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Korea, Michelle Steel, at confirmation hearing [Screenshot from U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing video]

Michelle Steel, the nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Korea (70, Korean name Park Eun-ju), stated on the 20th (local time) that American companies operating in Korea, such as Coupang, should not face discrimination.

Responding to a request from some senators during her confirmation hearing at the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington D.C. on the same day to ensure that U.S. companies like Coupang are not discriminated against in Korea, Steel said, "I will look into it."

She referenced the joint fact sheet containing trade and security agreements between the leaders of the U.S. and Korea from last year, stating, "It is clearly stipulated that American companies should not be discriminated against and will not face unnecessary barriers. If I am confirmed, I will make sure to address that."

She added, "Just as all Korean companies in the United States receive equal treatment with American companies, American companies in Korea should also receive equal treatment with Korean companies."

This statement came in response to a question from Senator Bill Hagerty (Republican-Tennessee).

Senator Hagerty, mentioning Coupang, expressed concern, saying, "I am concerned that some American technology companies appear to be discriminated against in Korea. I would appreciate it if you could pay special attention to ensure that American companies, especially technology companies, are not treated discriminatorily in any way compared to not only Korean companies but also, for example, Chinese companies."

In her opening remarks, Steel also stated, "American companies doing business in Korea are entitled to the same market access that Korean companies enjoy in the United States."

Senator Pete Ricketts (Republican-Nebraska) pointed out Korea's non-tariff barriers on U.S. agricultural products and the reduction in tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) for U.S. soybeans, urging that Korea's promise to "ease non-tariff barriers" be kept.

In response, Steel replied, "Regarding trade issues related to agricultural products, including soybeans, if I am confirmed, I will discuss them directly with the Korean government and relevant officials responsible for trade matters."

Steel noted that the $350 billion Korean investment plan in the U.S., as agreed upon by both countries, was unclear, saying, "I want to confirm where exactly that is coming from," indicating an awareness of the need to scrutinize the source of funds and specific implementation plans.

She also mentioned that Korea's trade surplus with the U.S. exceeds $50 billion and stated that if confirmed, she would explore ways to increase U.S. exports to Korea.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat-New Hampshire) pointed out the ambiguity regarding the specific use of Korea's $350 billion investment in the U.S. and requested that related information be transparently shared with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Steel replied, "I will do so."

When Chairman James Risch (Republican-Idaho) brought up the stark political, social, and economic disparities between North and South Korea and asked for her views, Steel repeatedly mentioned that her parents were from North Korea and said, "We all know how many people are suffering in North Korea."

She continued, "That is why we need a very strong alliance between the United States, Japan, and Korea. This is not just about protecting Korea, but about protecting the entire Indo-Pacific region."

In her opening remarks at the hearing, Steel stated, "I will continue my commitment by strengthening the alliance between the United States and Korea, which has lasted for over 70 years."

She also said, "The U.S.-Korea alliance has served as the linchpin for peace, security, and prosperity in Northeast Asia. Our combined defense posture, anchored by 28,500 U.S. troops and strengthened by America's extended nuclear deterrence, remains ironclad."

U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Steel as the U.S. Ambassador to Korea on the 13th of last month.

Steel, born in Seoul in 1955, is from an immigrant family that came to the United States in 1975. She has served as an elected member of the California State Board of Equalization and as an Orange County Supervisor before serving as a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives for four years starting in 2021.

After passing through this hearing, Steel must have her nomination approved by the Foreign Relations Committee and the full Senate to be appointed as ambassador. The current position of U.S. Ambassador to Korea has been vacant for over a year since the departure of former Ambassador Philip Goldberg, who was appointed by the previous Biden administration, in January of last year.