Ever since U.S. Ambassador to Korea Michelle Steel arrived in Seoul on July 30, her husband, Shawn Steel, has been by her side at nearly all of her official appearances. At first, the arrangement — including a joint visit to Namdaemun Market — appeared aimed at building a warm, family-oriented image with the Korean public. But when Shawn accompanied the ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to present her credentials to the chief of protocol and met with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, his presence took on a different tone. His attendance at a meeting with the foreign minister — unusual for a diplomatic spouse — made him something of a scene-stealer and insiders say it could signal a broader political role for him as a political heavyweight close to U.S. President Donald Trump. "It is rare for a diplomatic spouse to attend a meeting with the foreign minister. But it can happen," an insider said. "The ministry likely agreed to his presence in advance, given the political implications." Cho, who later briefed reporters on the meeting, openly expressed high expectations as the c