Knife-wielding attacker slashes face of U.S. ambassador in South Korea

U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert (3rd L) leaves after he was slashed in the face by an unidentified assailant at a public forum in central Seoul March 5, 2015. REUTERS/Yonhap

SEOUL (Reuters) - U.S. ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert underwent two-and-a-half hours of surgery after he was slashed in the face by a Korean nationalist in an attack at a breakfast forum in Seoul on Thursday to discuss Korean reunification.

Lippert, 42, was bleeding from deep wounds to his face and wrist but was able to walk after the attack. Doctors said later his condition was stable after "very successful" surgery that required 80 stitches in his face as the White House expressed optimism for his quick return to his duties.