President Lee Jae Myung speaks at a meeting of senior secretaries held at the Blue House on Thursday 2026.4.16 / News1

On Thursday, the White House addressed concerns about Michelle Park Steel, the nominee for U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, being classified as a staunch conservative. They stated that this will not pose an issue in managing the U.S.-South Korea alliance.

A senior White House official met with reporters and remarked that the Donald Trump administration itself is a conservative government.

Regarding prior communication between the two governments before Steel's nomination, the official confirmed that they're aware of the ambassadorial nomination, and discussions are ongoing between the U.S. and South Korea.

Earlier, the Trump administration nominated Michelle Park Steel, a Korean-American and former U.S. Representative, as its first ambassador candidate to South Korea, more than 15 months into its second term.

On Thursday, the White House addressed concerns about Michelle Park Steel, the nominee for …

Will Michelle Park Steel's Conservative Stance Affect U.S.-Korea Relations?