South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun criticized Saturday's assault against opposition leader Park Geun- hye as an "unpardonable incident" and ordered to conduct thorough investigation.

"Any form of election violence should not be tolerated. The incident has to be thoroughly investigated," spokesman of the presidential office Jung Tae-ho said.

Park, chairman of the Grand National Party (GNP), was attacked on the right face by an unidentified man with an unknown weapon Saturday afternoon when she was canvassing for Oh Se-hoon, GNP candidate for Seoul mayor in Sinchon in Seoul. She was taken to the nearby Yonsei University's Severance Hospital immediately.

"Park had an approximately 10-centimeter cut to the face from ear to jawline. It seems like a utility knife was used, given the shape of the cut," said Kim Hyeon-jong, a doctor of the Yonsei University's Severance Hospital.

Park received 17 stitches in an operation and her life is not in danger, the doctor said.

The Yonhap News reported that two heavily intoxicated suspects were caught at the scene and taken to a nearby police station.

The GNP has decided to hold an emergency meeting on the issue late Saturday night and denounced the government on failing to guarantee the security during the election campaign.

Prime Minister Han Myung-sook has ordered government officials to find out the identity of the attackers as well as the motivation and purpose of the assault after hearing about the incident.

Chung Dong-young, chairman of the ruling Uri Party, described the assault against Park as "unforgivable act."

"It is very shocking. I am really worried about her health," he said.

Park, oldest daughter of former President Park Chung-hee, is regarded as one of the most hopeful candidates for the next presidential election.

Source: Xinhua