The U.S . Ambassador to South Korea Mark Kim was injured in a surprise knife attack at a breakfast meeting on Thursday . A 55-year - old man identified as Kim Ki - jong was immediately arrested after the attack . Police seeking three charges include attempted murder and business obstruction . Doubts over whether he carried out attack alone or was part of larger conspiracy . It was revealed that Kim has visited North Korea several times and he shouted ' North and South Korea should be united ' be carried out . Lippert received 80 stitches for slash wound to his face and may have sustained damage for several months for hand injuries . Doctors say he is doing well but still experiencing some pain .
The U.S . Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert was injured in a surprise knife attack at a breakfast meeting on Thursday . A 55-year-old man identified as Kim Ki-jong was immediately arrested after the attack . Police seeking three charges including attempted murder and business obstruction . Doubts over whether he carried out attack alone or was part of larger conspiracy . It was revealed that Kim has visited North Korea several times and he shouted 'North and South Korea should be united ' be lashing out . Lippert needed 80 stitches for slash wound to his face and may have nerve damage for several months for hand injuries . Doctors say he is doing well but still experiencing some pain .