Mark Lippert, the U.S. ambassador to South Korea, sent out New Year's cards to the country's political and governmental officials, sources said Tuesday, which came with a family photo including his son, who was born in Seoul.

The card, which had New Year's messages in English and Korean, were sent to local officials. It included a photo of his son, who was born last year.

Lippert gave his son the Korean middle name of Sejun, literally meaning "clean and excellent." The move was seen by many as his efforts to approach closer to the local community.

Policy watchers said the card reflects Lippert's bid to deepen ties with South Korean officials, overcoming the incident in March when a knife-wielding assailant slashed Lippert's face and wrist at a breakfast function in Seoul. (Yonhap)