New US envoy vows to advance Trump's vision for 'ironclad' Korea alliance

INCHEON — Michelle Steel, the newly appointed U.S. ambassador to South Korea, described herself as someone "born in Seoul" who now stands before the Korean public "to represent the United States," pledging to advance the alliance in line with President Trump's vision, in her first remarks after arriving in the country Thursday.

"I look forward to working with the Republic of Korea to ensure that our ironclad alliance remains in linchpin of peace and security in the region," she said, speaking to reporters shortly after landing at Incheon International Airport.

“Together we will carry President Trump's vision for this alliance forward stronger, safer and more prosperous than ever before." She did not take further questions from reporters, saying she just "arrived." Airport police and the U.S.

Embassy had stepped up security ahead of her arrival amid concerns of potential protests.

Steel will begin preparations to formally assume the post, which has been vacant for a year and a half since her predecessor, Philip Goldberg, departed around the time U.S.

President Donald Trump took office ...