A pro-unification group of civilians and politicians said Wednesday it may soon invite Mark Lippert back to its forum, months after the U.S. ambassador suffered a knife attack at a meeting hosted by the organization.
The Korean Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation said that it is in consultations with the U.S. Embassy over Lippert’s participation in the event as early as late June.
In early March, Lippert was attacked by a knife-wielding assailant at the council-hosted breakfast meeting in Seoul, sustaining face and arm injuries that needed 80 stitches.
“Discussions over schedules and the venue are underway,” said a council official. “Specifics have not been decided, but we are seeking to hold a forum as early as late June.”
An official at the U.S. Embassy refused to comment on details of the issue.
The council was created in 1998 consisting of politicians, religious figures and civic groups to help promote reconciliation and unification on a divided peninsula.
Since 2004, the council has held forums for new U.S. ambassadors to Seoul. Lippert took office in October last year as Washington’s new envoy here.
Kim Ki-jong, the assailant, was arrested immediately at the scene, where he called for the cancellation of a joint military drill between Seoul and Washington. Kim was indicted on charges of attempted murder. (Yonhap)
