After spending five nights and six days in the hospital, Mark Lippert, the U.S. ambassador to South Korea, was released from the hospital on March 10 while assuring the public that there is no change to the alliance relationship between the U.S. and South Korea.
"This incident has only strengthened our love and affection for this country and our belief in the unbreakable bond that exists between the United States and the Republic of Korea," he said at a press conference held at Yonsei's Severance Hospital where Lippert had been receiving treatment.
Regarding his condition, he said, "I feel pretty darn good, all things considered. I want to express my profound gratitude to the Koreans and Americans alike who so bravely, gratefully, and selflessly responded to the scene of the attack and the medical team that delivered world-class treatment. I mean, it was obviously a scary incident. But I'm walking, talking, holding my baby, hugging my wife, so I just feel really good."
Lippert further assured the relationship between the U.S. and South Korea by saying, "After the rain, the ground will solidify," and added that the relationship between the two countries will not change "not only militarily, but also economically and politically."
He said he looks forward to immediately giving his full effort into his work as an ambassador, though the first few days might be difficult to get up to full speed.
Though Lippert was discharged from the hospital, his left arm had a splint and seemed uncomfortable for him to move. Severance Hospital said that Lippert would continue to feel pain on his left wrist and would need to receive medical care on a daily basis for him to fully recover.
On March 5, Lippert was attacked by Kim Ki-Jong which resulted in a 25 centimeter-long gash on his right cheek, which required 80 stitches. His left wrist was also cut and resulted in the damage of two muscle nerves.
