U.S. ambassador spotted at downtown Starbucks in first outing since arrival

Michelle Steel, Washington’s new ambassador to Seoul, was spotted at a Starbucks store in downtown Seoul on Friday in her first outing since taking office.

In a video uploaded to Threads on Friday, Steel appears to be at what the uploader said was Starbucks’ Gwanghwamun branch, where she is heard asking whether others “want coffee.”

Steel shared a photo on X the same day showing her next to the King Sejong statue in the central plaza. She first arrived in Korea on Thursday.

Starbucks' Gwanghwamun branch is around a 3-minute walk from the statue, while there are other Starbucks stores and cafes nearby.

Online commentators speculated that Steel may have visited the coffee chain in a show of support for the company, which originated in Seattle but is operated in Korea by Shinsegae Group’s Emart, after Starbucks Korea faced heavy backlash earlier this year over a marketing blunder.

Starbucks Korea drew criticism from the public and political figures after holding a “Tank Day” promotion on May 18, the anniversary of the Gwangju Democratization Movement, when troops and tanks were deployed to violently suppress demonstrators. Shinsegae Group Chairman Chung Yong-jin personally apologized over what he called an “inexcusable mistake,” while the chain later closed for a half day at all stores nationwide for historical awareness and ethics training.

Steel's appointment as U.S. ambassador to Korea comes after an 18-month vacancy. She previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican representing a California district and on a presidential advisory commission during U.S. President Donald Trump’s first term.

At her confirmation hearing in May, Steel said U.S. companies operating in Korea deserved “equal treatment,” a remark some observers in Seoul interpreted as a reference to possible diplomatic support for Coupang — the New York-listed e-commerce firm that came under fire for a massive data breach — and other U.S. companies.

“I look forward to working with the Republic of Korea to ensure our ironclad alliance remains a linchpin of peace and security in the region,” she said upon arriving at Incheon International Airport on Thursday. “Together, we will carry President Trump’s vision for the region: stronger, safer and more prosperous than ever before.”

BY KIM JU-YEON [[email protected]]