U.S. envoy attacked in central Seoul

2015-03-05 17

We begin with the horrid knife attack that has shocked the nation today.
U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert was attacked with a knife by a South Korean national.
The injuries were not life-threatening, but he had to undergo surgery and is now in stable condition.
Here's Arirang's Hwang Sung-hee.
It was a bloody attack on U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert by a man opposed to the joint military drills between Seoul and Washington.


"The attack is the first of its kind on a U.S. ambassador to South Korea. It happened as Ambassador Lippert was attending a breakfast meeting here, right across the street from the U.S. embassy."

A man, now identified as 55-year-old Kim Ki-jong, slashed Lippert with a 10-inch knife, leaving him with a deep cut on his right cheek and left hand.
Covered in blood, the ambassador was transferred to Yonsei Severance Hospital and is now in stable condition.
The suspect claims to be an advocate of a reunified Korea, shouting his opposition to the ongoing military drills between Seoul and Washington as he was being arrested.


"We are not reunited. The war exercise should be stopped."

But he has a history of unpredictable behavior.
He was given a two-year prison sentence in 2010 for throwing a piece of concrete at the Japanese ambassador to South Korea.

U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf said Washington "strongly condemns" this act of violence.
The ambassador, who is a close friend of President Barack Obama, received a phone call from the president, wishing him the very best for a speedy recovery.

Seoul's foreign ministry said the attack on the U.S. ambassador -- South Korea's closest ally -- is deeply regrettable.
It also pledged to bolster security for diplomatic missions in Seoul.
The ministry said the latest turn of events will not leave a dent in their strong alliance.


"Both South Korea and the United States believe the incident will not cause any harm to our alliance."


And the ambassador -- well