US ambassador Mark Lippert , 42 , was discharged from hospital after being attacked by a knife-wielding activist . The US ambassador to South Korea who was slashed across the face by an activist , said he was 'pretty darn good ' as he was released from hospital . Mark Lippert suffered a deep facial gash and stab wound to his wrist after being attacked by a knife-wielding pro-North Korean activist during a breakfast forum in Seoul last week . Speaking as he left Seoul 's Severance Hospital the ambassador said he felt 'pretty darned good , all things considered , ' after the 'scary incident . ' The 42-year-old , whose face was bandaged and had his arm in a brace , needed 80 stitches after being set upon . Mr Lippert refused to comment about the attack as he left hospital due to the on-going police investigation . The alleged attacker , known as an anti-U.S. activist who was previously convicted of hurling a piece of concrete at the Japanese ambassador in Seoul in 2010 , was arrested at the scene . Police are seeking to bring charges including attempted murder against Kim Ki-jong , 55 , for the attack at a forum discussing Korean reunification . Police said the motive for Kim 's action was not known , but he shouted after the attack that he opposes the ongoing annual U.S.-South Korea military drills that North Korea condemns as a preparation for a northward invasion . Mark Lippert suffered a deep facial gash and stab wound to his wrist after being attacked by a knife wielding pro-North Korean during a breakfast forum in Seoul last week . The 42-year-old needed 80 stitches to the deep knife wound to his face after the attack . As he left Seoul 's Severance Hospital he said he felt 'pretty darned good , all things considered , ' after the 'scary incident . Right before : Lippert pictured above , seated at the breakfast table just prior to being attacked by Kim Thursday morning . Seoul and Washington call the drills defensive and routine . The anti-US activist has denied that he intended to kill Lippert . As part of the police investigation officers have requested Kim 's past travels to North Korea — seven times between 1999 and 2007 — during a previous era of inter-Korean cooperation , when Seoul was ruled by a liberal government . Kim also attempted to build a memorial altar for former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il after his death in December 2011 , police said . The attack prompted rival North Korea to gloat about 'knife slashes of justice . ' Lippert had become known for an approachable , informal style since taking up his posting in Seoul in November and after the attack questions were raised about his security arrangements . Previously , Lippert was guarded by a single , unarmed South Korean policeman in plain clothes . He refused to discuss possible new security arrangements , except to say U.S. officials would take ' a hard look ' at procedures in South Korea and then make a decision , as he left hospital . 'We have made it our mission to be open and friendly and that will not change , ' said Mr Lippert at the press conference . Suspect : Police are seeking to bring charges including attempted murder against Kim Ki-jong , 55 , pictured , for the attack . The alleged attacker , who was arrested on Friday last week , and is said to be known as an anti-US activist . Police said the motive for Kim 's action was not known , but he shouted demands for Korean reunification . Doctor 's removed 80 stitches needed to close the deep wound on the ambassador 's face , Severance 's general director Yoon Do-heum told reporters . He said the ambassador still feels some pain in his arm , but it is manageable with medicine . He may experience sensory problems in his left hand for several months . The United States is South Korea 's closest ally andmaintains a military presence of 28,500 personnel . While thathas drawn protest from some South Koreans in the past , opposition has eased in recent years . Aftermath : Lippert appeared on Thursday wrapped in a neck bandage after being treated for his injuries , which include slashing wounds and nerve damage . Pro-US : While South Korea is one of America 's strongest allies in Asia , there are factions of the country against the strong US military presence .
US ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert discharged from hospital . 42-year-old said he was 'pretty darned good , ' as he thanked medics . Slashed across the face and wrist by knife-wielding activist during forum . Needed 80 stitches and may have suffered nerve damage as a result . Police seeking to charge Kim Ki-jong , 55 , with attempted murder over attack .