U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Park Steel met with Ju Biung-ghi, chairperson of South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission, on Monday to discuss the country’s investment climate and the role American companies play in its economy.
Steel said in a post on X that she had “a productive meeting with KFTC Chairperson Ju Biung-ghi to discuss the investment climate in Korea and to highlight the positive role that U.S. companies play in the innovative Korean economy.”
Ju also confirmed the meeting in a post on his own X account, writing, “I met with U.S. Ambassador to Korea Michelle Park Steel today.” He said he explained the commission’s role and vision, and stressed that South Korea’s position in the global platform sector benefits American companies as well. He added that the commission would continue working to strengthen the economic partnership between the two countries.
Steel, whose Korean name is Park Eun-ju, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in June and arrived in Seoul in July to take up her post. Monday’s meeting appeared to center on investment and trade issues between Washington and Seoul. During her Senate confirmation hearing, Steel said American companies operating in Korea should have the same market access that Korean companies enjoy in the United States.
Ju has made fair competition in online platform markets a priority since taking office as KFTC chairperson in September 2025, alongside efforts to address unfair practices in subcontracting and franchise businesses.
