Steel highlights South Korean investment’s role in supporting U.S. jobs

U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel said Thursday that South Korean investment supports American jobs and strengthens the U.S. economy, calling for expanded economic cooperation between the two countries.

The remarks followed an announcement by Seoul and Washington detailing a planned $200 billion South Korean investment in the United States, according to The Korea Times. That investment is part of a broader $350 billion commitment tied to lower U.S. tariffs on South Korean goods.

Steel made the comments in a post on X after attending a plenary meeting of the U.S.-Korea and Korea-U.S. Business Council, The Korea Times reported. The Federation of Korean Industries hosted the meeting.

In the post, Steel said investment from South Korea benefits the American economy through support for jobs and stronger commercial relations between the countries, according to the newspaper.

Steel also expressed interest in expanding opportunities for investment and growth benefiting both countries. Her remarks called for building on the existing economic relationship.

The investment announcement provides the backdrop to those comments. The Korea Times described the planned $200 billion investment as one component of the broader $350 billion commitment exchanged for tariff reductions.

Steel’s message emphasized continued investment and shared growth as the two countries pursue their broader economic commitment, according to The Korea Times.