South Korean police say they are seeking charges of attempted murder against a man who slashed the US ambassador to Seoul.
During the attack, Mr Kim called for reunification of the two Koreas.
Police said they were also investigating Mr Kim's links with North Korea, after it was revealed he had made multiple visits.
Security questions
Mr Lippert, 42, was given 80 stitches to the deep cut on his face and underwent surgery to repair nerve damage to his hand.
Doctors said he would be discharged early next week.
The attack raised questions about security for diplomatic personnel. Mr Lippert had a bodyguard with him when the attack took place. Police were also there, but not at the request of the US embassy or the organisers of the event.
The responsibility for the safety of diplomats lies with the host nation.
After the incident, the South Korean government ramped up security for diplomatic missions, including the US embassy. Police said they were providing protection for Mr Lippert.
Mr Kim, who was apprehended after the incident, told police that he did not intend to kill Mr Lippert.
Kim Ki-jong's militant past
- In 1985, was part of a group that cut and burned a US flag on the embassy grounds in Seoul, according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency
- Visited North Korea at least six times in 2006-07, reportedly planting trees near the border city of Kaesong
- In 2007, set himself on fire in front of the presidential office in Seoul, asking for an inquiry into a rape that had allegedly taken place at his office in 1988 (Yonhap)
- When in 2010 he hurled concrete at the then Japanese envoy, Toshinori Shigeie, it was the first assault on a foreign ambassador in South Korea; he received a suspended jail term
- In 2011, he tried to erect a memorial altar for the late North Korean leader, Kim Jong-il, in the heart of Seoul (Yonhap)
- Has also staged one-man protests against Japan over an island dispute (Reuters)
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