US ambassador in Seoul Mark Lippert slashed in razor attack

DateMarch 5, 2015 - 11:59AM





US ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert leaves after he was slashed in the face by an assailant at a public forum in central Seoul. Photo: Reuters



Seoul: The US ambassador to South Korea was slashed in the face by a razor-wielding assailant at a public forum in the capital early on Thursday.

Mark Lippert was attacked before he was due to give a speech at a breakfast event organised by the Korean Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation, a non-profit organisation promoting exchanges between the two Koreas.

Mr Lippert, 42, was bleeding from a facial wound but was walking after the attack as he was taken to Kangbuk Samsung Medical Centre. His wounds were reportedly not life-threatening. 

Security personnel detain the man who allegedly attacked Mark Lippert. Photo: Reuters

The attacker, identified only as Kim, was shouting slogans opposing military drills as he was taken into custody, Yonhap News reported.
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The man involved in the attack received a suspended two-year jail sentence for throwing a piece of concrete at Japan's ambassador to South Korea in 2010, Yonhap said.

This week, South Korea and the US began joint annual military drills that are opposed by North Korea and its sympathisers.

The White House said it was aware of, and tracking reports of, the attack.

Mr Lippert took up his post in Seoul last October.
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