Knife Wielding Assailant Attacks US Envoy To Korea

Mr. Lippert, who was attending a breakfast meeting, was slashed on his face and on the left hand.

He was taken to hospital but doctors said the injuries are not life-threatening.

The attacker, a 55-year-old man with a history of militant Korean nationalistic activism, reportedly shouted for North and South Korea to be reunified.

He was, however, subdued by security officers and arrested.

The attack took place at about 22:40 GMT (7:40AM) Wednesday when the ambassador was at a performing arts centre in central Seoul, the Yonhap news agency reports.

The assailant reportedly shouted "South and North Korea should be reunified!" before lashing out at the envoy.

The attacker also expressed opposition to annual military exercises held jointly by South Korea and the US.

North Korea has described the exercises – which involve more than 200,000 troops – as a rehearsal for an invasion and has vowed retaliation.

A small group of South Koreans have accused the American military of being the stumbling block to unification of the two Koreas.

The assailant had previously thrown concrete at the Japanese ambassador to South Korea. He also has a record of militant Korean nationalistic activism.

US President Barack Obama later called Mr Lippert to wish him "the very best for a speedy recovery".