U.S. ambassador's assaulter charged with attempted murder + highly suspected to be pro-North Korea

SEE ALSO: U.S. ambassador assaulted by pro-North Korea activist

On March 5, Kim attacked Lippert during a breakfast function held at the Sejong Cultural Institute with a fruit knife. Kim reportedly slashed Lippert five times, leaving a gash across the right side of Lippert's face and on his left hand. 

Kim has now been charged for attempted murder, violence against a foreign envoy, as well as business obstruction. This is not the first time Kim attacked a foreign diplomat as he was charged for throwing pieces of concrete at the Japanese ambassador in 2010. 

During initial reports, Kim was also described as a pro-North Korea activist, as news outlets, like 'Yonhap News,' stated that Kim visited North Korea six times in 2006 and 2007 and even tried to establish a memorial to the late Kim Jong Il in Seoul in 2011. Currently the police is investigating into whether Kim should also be charged with violating the National Security Law, which bans South Koreans from sympathizing with the North Korean government. Authorities so far have reported that they have found books at Kim's residence that could identify Kim as pro-North Korea. 

Kim, however, has denied being pro-North Korea when interviewed by the police. He denied ever being to the country and denied having any intention to murder Lippert. He explained that he attacked Lippert in an attempt to stop the 'Key Resolve/Foal Eagle 2015' military joint exercises between the U.S. and South Korea. He believed these exercises would create even more tension between the North and South, thereby decreasing the chances of reunification even further. 

Kim's lawyer Hwang Sang Hyun additionally told the press that Kim had nothing personal against the ambassador. Kim was actually invited to the breakfast function by the organizer. According to Hwang, the attack was not premeditated as Kim did not think of taking the knife with him until the morning of the attack. 

Authorities will be continuing their investigation into claims of Kim being pro-North Korea. In the meantime, South Korea will be sharing their information with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).