The United States' ambassador to South Korea, Mark Lippert, has left hospital following a knife attack by a protester screaming about Korean unification in Seoul last week.
Speaking to reporters outside the Severance Hospital in Seoul — where he has spent the five days since the attack — on Tuesday, Lippert said he was feeling "pretty good, all things considered," AP reported.
He had a bandage down his cheek and an arm in a brace during the news conference.
He said he would not change his "open and friendly" approach to the job following the "scary incident" last Thursday, where a screaming man attacked him during a breakfast forum in Seoul.
Lippert refused to comment on the attack on account of an ongoing police investigation, and also refused to talk about potential news security measures he would take, AP said. He did, however, say that the U.S. would take a "hard look" at procedures surrounding officials in South Korea.
Despite the attack, Lippert said he had "felt embraced and welcomed by the Korean people" since his arrival in Seoul last fall, AP reported.
"In return, we have made it our mission to be open and friendly. And that will not change," he added.
He said he would continue to project his image as "an ordinary neighborhood guy," The New York Times said.
Lippert's press conference can be seen here:
View this video on YouTube
A pro-United States demonstration coinciding with Lippert's leaving hospital was held in downtown Seoul on Tuesday.
