Prime Minister Lee Wan-koo expressed regret over the shocking attack on U.S. Ambassador to Seoul Mark Lippert on Thursday, ordering diplomatic efforts to prevent any negative impact on bilateral relations.
The 55-year-old progressive activist Kim Ki-jong cut Lippert's face and wrist with a knife as the U.S. official was preparing to give a lecture at a breakfast function in central Seoul.
The assailant was immediately arrested while Lippert, bleeding, was rushed to a nearby hospital. The U.S. state department said his injuries are not life-threatening and strongly denounced the violence.
"It is regrettable that an incident like this took place," Prime Minister Lee Wan-koo said of the attack. He ordered utmost efforts for the treatment of Lippert.
The prime minister also directed Vice Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yong to "promptly explain the latest incident to the U.S. side and prevent (occurrences of) any problems in the cooperation with the U.S. (due to the attack)," according to Lee's office.
Lee also urged tighter protection and security of foreign emissaries and embassy facilities in the country.
As the government body in charge of the violence case, the Prime Minister's Office was also to convene a meeting of vice ministers to cope with the incident.
In the meeting of vice ministers from the home affairs, foreign affairs, justice and public safety ministries, the officials plan to discuss ways to deal with the aftermath of the violence, as well as support the treatment of the injured ambassador.
President Park Geun-hye was briefed on the attack right after it took place, the presidential office said. She is now on a nine-day trip to the Middle Eastern region to discuss the country's cooperation with countries like the United Arab Emirates.
Police said they will strengthen security around U.S.-related facilities and personnel from now on to prevent similar attacks. (Yonhap)