U.S. Ambassador Wins Outpouring of Support

U.S. Ambassador Mark Lippert is receiving an outpouring of support from the Korean public as he recovers in hospital after an attack by a knife-wielding extremist in Seoul last week.

One university student said, "I thought the ambassador's self-professed love of Korea was just lip service, but I became his fan when I saw him deal bravely with the pain and voice his firm resolve to bolster bilateral relations following surgery."

Some 600 messages of support in both Korean and English have been posted on his official blog since the attack.

Koreans have also sent tokens to Severance Hospital, where he is being treated, including letters, taekwondo uniforms with Lippert's and his wife's names and even food for the ambassador's dog.

Others have staged fan dances and other performances across the street in front of the U.S. Embassy wishing for his speedy recovery.

But some people feel these performances are going too far. One 28-year-old office worker said, "All Koreans wish for his speedy recovery, but I think apologizing for the attack or putting on flamboyant performances or candlelight vigils are taking things a bit far."

Meanwhile, Lippert appears to be recovering quickly. Severance Hospital said Sunday that he may be released as early as Tuesday after having his stitches removed.

Lippert had to have around 80 stitches on his right cheek and had a severed nerve on his left hand reconnected.