1. President Park Geun-hye of the Republic of Korea, currently paying a state visit to the United Arab Emirates(UAE), called the U.S Ambassador to Korea, Mark Lippert, at around 14:20 and offered words of sympathy.

2. The President said that she was much surprised and deeply troubled after hearing the news during her trip to the Middle East. Having experienced herself similar incident several years ago, she expressed her empathy with Ambassador Lippert for the profound suffering. She further said that she wanted to check prior to the call if the Ambassador was able to speak, because she understood well how hard it can be to talk with such injuries.

3. The President said that such acts of violence can not be tolerated under any circumstances, and that the ROK Government would take necessary measures, including prompt and full investigation, with utmost seriousness and urgency. In addition, she committed to maintaining close cooperation with the US Government so that the incident would not have any negative implications on the ROK-US alliance, and wished for Ambassador Lippert’s swift recovery.

4. Ambassador Lippert responded ‘it is an honor to listen to your warm words’in Korean, and expressed his feeling that today’s conversation is more meaningful because he has heard the doctor mention that the President went through a similar experience. Ambassador Lippert said that the ROK-US alliance will also continue to undertake many important tasks for peace and prosperity on the Korean peninsula. He also said that he was deeply moved after receiving many words of sympathy from so many Korean friends. 

*unofficial translation