ROK prosecutors to probe into US envoy attack

US Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert leaves after he was slashed in the face by an unidentified assailant at a public forum in central Seoul March 5, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

SEOUL - Prosecutors of the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Thursday formed a special team to probe into the attack against the US ambassador to the ROK after police raided the home and office of the assailant, local media reported Friday.

The Seoul Central District Court formed a special team, composed of about 40 prosecutors and investigators. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, which formed a team of 75 investigators Thursday, will forward the case to the prosecution team.

Kim Ki-jong, 55, head of a ROKcultural activity group, slashed US Ambassador to Seoul Mark Lippert on Thursday morning in his face and hand. In July 2010, Kim received a two-year suspended jail term as he threw two pieces of rock at the Japanese ambassador to Seoul.

Doctors at Seoul's Severance Hospital, who are treating the US envoy, said he was recovering after more than 80 stitches during the surgery, but they said it may take several months for Lippert to recover the function of his left hand completely.

The knife penetrated through Lippert's hand, doing damages to the nerves and tendons of his pinkie and thumb, according to the doctors.

While being arrested, Kim shouted opposition to "war exercises, " referring to the ongoing ROK-US annual war games, code- named "Key Resolve" and "Foal Eagle" that kicked off Monday.

Police sought an arrest warrant for Kim on charges of attempted murder, violence against a foreign mission and obstruction of business.