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Posted by Pakman30 pts Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Korea showers U.S. ambassador Mark Lippert with love and support

Buzz
On March 10, Mark Lippert was released from the hospital after being showered with love and support by Korea in the form of public performances and visits from important political figures. 

SEE ALSO: Temperatures Are Dropping: Here are 7 Korea Winter Travel Tips to Keep in Mind



On March 5, Lippert was attacked by a pro-reunification and highly suspected pro-North Korea activist Kim Ki Jong during a breakfast function held at the Sejong Cultural Institute with a fruit knife. Kim reportedly slashed Lippert five times, leaving a gash across the right side of Lippert's face and on his left hand. 

On March 7 around 10 AM, supporters of the U.S. and Korea's alliance rallied around the Seoul Finance Center to showcase a "get well soon" performance. Organized by the General Assembly of Presbyterian Church in Korea (PCK), the performance included a drum portion, ballet, and a fan dance. The performance was executed under the slogan of, "Let's go together," which borrows its words from Lippert's original tweet on the day of the attack, when he reassured Koreans that he would be back to "advance [the] US-ROK (Republic of Korea) alliance.



On the same day, a group called the Mom Corps Forces gathered outside the Yonsei Severance Hospital, where Lippert was residing, and shouted encouraging chants. Referring to Lippert's son James William Sejun Lippert, the mothers chanted, "Sejun Daddy, have strength!" affectionately. 


Many political figures also visited Lippert at the hospital, such as political party leaders, the finance minister, deputy prime minister, and vice chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff. On March 9, President Park Geun Hye also made a surprise visit and was soon followed by the foreign minister, former prime minister, and randomly, even the president of the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL). 



The Korean media joked that at this point, Lippert could come down with something he didn't have before out of fatigue of accepting visitors. It got to the point that Lippert reportedly requested that no more visitors come to see him that day. 


Lippert was able to leave the hospital on March 10 with his face bandaged. Reports state that Lippert had 80 stitches removed from his face and that he takes medication to manage the pain in his arm. He may experience sensory problems in his left hand for months. 


Despite all of this, Lippert said that he was touched by the support South Korea showed him during the rough times and that the attack would only strengthen the "unbreakable bond" between the U.S. and South Korea.

He added during a press conference that U.S. authorities would be reviewing the security measures as some blame the lax security leading to Lippert's attack. Meanwhile authorities continue to investigate Lippert's assailant Kim. 

You can view the press conference here:



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