"Stephens is known for her deep understanding and love of Korea. Although well-informed about Korea, Stephens alone cannot solve all issues that exist in international diplomacy, but her lack of sentimental barriers could facilitate understanding and communication and play a decisive role in resolving highly sensitive issues. In this respect, we hope Korea-U.S. relations will further develop, based on mutual understanding, with the inauguration of the new ambassador." Kathleen Stephens, appointed US Ambassador to South Korea, served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Korea.
Washington’s new ambassador to Korea, Kathleen Stephens, is expected to further solidify the relations between the two countries
Expectations for a new U.S. ambassador to Korea
Washington’s new ambassador to Korea, Kathleen Stephens, is expected to further solidify the relations between the two countries. Stephens is known for her deep understanding and love of Korea. Although well-informed about Korea, Stephens alone cannot solve all issues that exist in international diplomacy, but her lack of sentimental barriers could facilitate understanding and communication and play a decisive role in resolving highly sensitive issues. In this respect, we hope Korea-U.S. relations will further develop, based on mutual understanding, with the inauguration of the new ambassador.
The U.S. Senate confirmed the nomination of Kathleen Stephens as Washington’s new ambassador to Korea last week, making her the first woman to hold the top diplomatic position in Seoul. She has often been described as a career diplomat “well versed in Korea.” In fact, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Korea, and began her foreign service career in 1978, serving twice in Korea. She has a Korean name and speaks fluent Korean. She has a deep understanding of Korea and Koreans. Her predecessor, Alexander Vershbow, used his outstanding job capabilities to lead bilateral relations with Korea, but reportedly experienced some friction due to a lack of understanding. The incoming envoy’s diplomatic career is also noteworthy. She served as the international political unit chief in Seou,l and as principal officer at the consulate in Busan in the 1980s. While serving in Korea, she developed a connection with a wide group of Korean politicians. Stephens has been serving as principal deputy assistant secretary of state in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs since 2005, focusing on the management of U.S. relations with Korea and Japan. From 2003 to 2005, she was deputy assistant secretary for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, addressing Kosovo’s future status. She is familiar with Korean politics, and has abundant experiences in international conflicts and other sensitive issues.
But the new U.S. ambassador is in for various challenges in Korea. The protests against the resumption of U.S. beef imports continue, and there are many other issues pending between the two countries, including the shared cost of maintaining U.S. Forces in Korea, and the status change of U.S. Forces in Korea, among others. Dispatch of Korean troops to Afghanistan and Iraq is also a sensitive issue. The new ambassador reportedly knows and loves Korea, but the stark realities of international diplomacy require her to speak for the interests of her own country. It is wishful thinking to expect all these issues to be resolved just by the bond of friendship. Yet Stephens’ familiarity of Korean culture should help facilitate communication and prevent unnecessary misunderstanding, exactly what Korea and the United States need most at the moment.
In this sense, we hope the new U.S. ambassador to Korea will inject fresh vigor to the bilateral relations between the two countries.
