U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has thanked a South Korean lawmaker for helping the U.S. ambassador here during a knife attack in March, the lawmaker’s office said Tuesday.
Kerry personally delivered a letter containing the thank-you message to the wife of Rep. Chang Yoon-seok of the ruling Saenuri Party in a ceremony held on Monday, according to Chang’s office.
Chang was one of the first people to come to overpower Kim Ki-jong, who slashed the face and a wrist of Ambassador Mark Lippert during a breakfast gathering in Seoul on March 5. The attack left Lippert with wounds that required 80 stitches.
“I was deeply moved to hear of your selfless efforts to come to the aid of Ambassador Mark W. Lippert after his attack March 5,” read Kerry’s thank-you letter, which was released by Chang’s office. “I extend my personal thanks, as well as the grateful appreciation of all U.S. citizens, for your heroic actions in saving the life of our Ambassador.”
Kerry also lauded Chang’s “leadership and extraordinary performance,” which, he said, reflect “great credit” upon the relationship between South Korea and the U.S.
Kerry left Seoul on Monday after his two-day visit focused on discussing North Korea’s nuclear threats and an upcoming summit between President Park Geun-hye and U.S. President Barack Obama.
Rep. Chang’s wife accepted the letter on behalf of the lawmaker, who is now visiting Norway as the head of a friendship association between South Korean and Norwegian lawmakers.
Responding to the letter, Chang said through his office that he will step up efforts to upgrade the friendly ties between the allies. (Yonhap)
