Obama calls Lippert

AFP reported that U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday called a former aide and now U.S. ambassador to Korea to wish him well following a blade attack in Seoul.

"The president called U.S. ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Mark Lippert, to tell him that he and his wife Robyn are in his thoughts and prayers, and to wish him the very best for a speedy recovery," said Bernadette Meehan, National Security Council spokeswoman.

Meanwhile, the U.S. strongly condemned the "act of violence" which saw the U.S. ambassador to South Korea injured in an attack by a razor-wielding assailant on Thursday in Seoul.

"We can confirm that U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Mark Lippert was assaulted Thursday morning in Seoul while giving a speech.

"We strongly condemn this act of violence," State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf was quoted by AFP as saying, adding his injuries were not life threatening.