Prosecutors are seeking an arrest warrant for the man who attacked U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert.
The assailant will likely have to face several charges, including attempted murder.
Officials are also looking into whether the assault is related to his past pro-North Korea activities.
Connie Kim starts us off.
Prosecutors are seeking an arrest warrant to charge the man who carried out a bloody knife attack on U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert... with attempted murder, business obstruction and violence against a foreign envoy.
The prosecution said the attack was intentional, considering that the 55-year-old was equipped with the 10-inch knife he used in the incident.
He had reportedly been planning the attack for ten days.
A special investigative team will look into the motives behind the assault and whether the attacker was working with an accomplice.
It's focusing on Kim's pro-North Korea activities and could charge him with violating the National Security Law that bars sympathizing with North Korea...if enough evidence is found.
Kim traveled to North Korea seven times from 1999 to 2007.
He also attempted to set up a memorial in Seoul to the late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il upon his death in 2011.
Another possible motive for the attack -- as he was being arrested, Kim voiced his opposition to ongoing military exercises between Korea and the U.S. and demanded they come to a halt.
The attack on the U.S. ambassador was the first of its kind in Korea.
High-level officials from the government, ruling party and the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae have agreed to share information with Washington in line with the countries' bilateral ties.
Lippert is at a local hospital recovering from surgery he received after the attack to repair his face and hand injuries… and doctors say he can be discharged as early as next week.
Connie Kim, Arirang News.
