Kang Kyung-hwa, the new ambassador to the United States, said on the 4th (local time), "As difficult issues between South Korea and the United States are entangled, I will mobilize all the mission's capabilities so the problems can be resolved well."

Kang Kyung-hwa, the South Korean ambassador to the U.S., arrives through Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on the 4th (local time) and comments on her assumption of office. /Courtesy of News1

Ambassador Kang, who served as foreign minister under the Moon Jae-in administration, said this as she entered the United States via Washington Dulles International Airport and met with Korean reporters. Kang will hold an inauguration ceremony at the embassy on the 6th and, after procedures such as submitting her letter of credence to the U.S. government, will begin carrying out her duties in earnest.

Kang cited as urgent issues to be resolved between South Korea and the United States the tariff and trade negotiations that have yet to be finalized; the U.S.-bound investment package by Korea, which is part of those talks; and visa issues for Korean corporate executives and workers, sparked by the detention of a Korean in Georgia.

Kang said, "I will respond closely on the ground so the investment package can reach a mutually good agreement," adding, "Headquarters, with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the trade minister leading the negotiations directly, is handling talks, but as the mission chief on the ground, I believe I must do my utmost to provide support."

Regarding meeting Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun before entering the United States, she said, "For Hyundai, which is bearing a 25% tariff, the current situation is very difficult," and added, "As ambassador, I thought it would be best to hear directly."

She went on, "Our government's position is to negotiate while looking at corporations as a whole, but from Hyundai's standpoint, they spoke of the hardships in the auto export issue, where they are taking a direct hit," adding, "From the perspective that corporations and the government must work as one team to produce good results, I think Hyundai's voice is very important."

Kang served as foreign minister during U.S. President Donald Trump's first term. She said, "As a special attendant, I had another opportunity to see him up close during the South Korea–U.S. summit in Aug.," adding, "I was able to see the direction of President Trump's thinking and what he considers particularly important in relations with Korea."

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