The South Korean man taken into custody after allegedly attacking the US ambassador to Seoul on Thursday morning has been identified as a pro-North Korea activist opposed to America's involvement in Korean affairs.
Kim Ki-jong was seized by the security detachment accompanying Mark Lippert, who was only appointed ambassador last year, but not before he had slashed the envoy's face, arms and wrist with a paring knife with a 10-inch blade.
Mr Lippert, 42, had been about to have breakfast before delivering a speech at a venue in central Seoul at around 7.40 a.m. when Kim attacked him from behind, as he yelled "No war. South and North Korea should be reunified."