U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel Meets Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back
Quick Look
U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel met with Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back in Seoul on Thursday, her first meeting with South Korea's top defense chief since assuming her post in late July, to discuss alliance issues including Seoul's efforts to regain wartime operational control from the United States.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Michelle Steel assumed the post of U.S. Ambassador to South Korea in late July 2026. South Korea has been pursuing the regain of wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States as part of its defense sovereignty efforts.
By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, Sept. 3 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Steel met with Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Thursday, her first such meeting with the top South Korean defense chief since assuming the post in late July.
Steel arrived at the defense ministry headquarters in Yongsan, accompanied by U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson.
She was expected to discuss key alliance issues with Ahn, including Seoul's ongoing efforts to regain wartime operational control (OPCON) from the United States.
Thursday's meeting follows her previous separate meetings with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan last month.
What to Watch
AI outlook โ possibilities, not facts
Formal discussions on the transfer of wartime operational control will continue in upcoming bilateral meetings.
Likely ยท Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific timeline or conditions were discussed for the transfer of wartime operational control?
- How does this meeting fit into broader U.S.-South Korea alliance strategy amid regional security challenges?
