North Korea says diplomat’s knifing was ‘just punishment’

North Korea praised the wounding of an American diplomat Thursday as “just punishment” for U.S. military exercises with its rival South Korea.

Mark Lippert, the U.S. ambassador to South Korea, was injured in a knife attack Thursday morning in Seoul. Rushed to an area hospital, he is now in stable condition and in “great spirits” after the assault.

{mosads}That has not stopped Pyongyang from lauding Lippert’s injuries, USA Today reported Thursday.

North Korea’s official KCNA news agency hailed it as a sound “expression of resistance,” calling the weapon the “knife of justice.”

Lippert’s alleged assailant yelled about reunifying North and South Korea while rushing the envoy. He was identified as Kim Ki-jong, 55, after his arrest.

The Korean Peninsula has been divided between North and South Korea since 1953. The U.S. often conducts joint military exercises with Seoul intended to protect it from North Korea.

Ki-jong slashed Lippert’s face and hand. Though his injuries were not life threatening, the envoy did require 80 stitches for his face.

The ambassador is an Iraq War veteran who also worked in President Obama’s Senate office as an adviser. Lippert also served as a chief of staff for former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

Sen. Rob Portman wished Lippert a “speedy recovery” on Thursday. The Ohio Republican also praised Lippert, a Cincinnati native, for his “service and leadership” in South Korea.