U.S. Ambassador Mark Lippert has revisited the Korean Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation nine months after he was attacked at a similar conference.
 
At the gathering on Friday, Lippert expressed thanks to the people who had helped him in the heat of the moment when he was attacked with a knife by an assailant, adding that ever since he has grown fonder of Korea.

Council members also quoted Mr. Lippert as saying that the South Korea-U.S. alliance is in top condition.
 
Regarding North Korea, the ambassador said the U.S. is willing to hold frank and credible talks with Pyongyang.
 
President of the council Hong Sa-duk repeatedly expressed regret about the incident and said he wished to continue inviting the ambassador to the event.