Chinese Nationals Vandalize Restaurant in South Korea Named After Xi Jinping
Four masked men caused an estimated $11,100 in damages before fleeing the country, according to police.
A restaurant in South Korea named after Chinese leader Xi Jinping was vandalized by a group of Chinese nationals who reportedly fled back to China shortly after the incident, South Korean police stated.
Surveillance footage captured four masked individuals entering the restaurant in Seongnam, a city south of Seoul, in the early hours of September 24. The group proceeded to smash furniture and spray lacquer inside the establishment.
The owner of the restaurant, which has been operating for eight years, told local media that he chose the name Xi Jinping with the intention of creating the "best Chinese restaurant" in South Korea and denied any political motive. However, demands for a name change began over the past year, escalating particularly around August of the previous year when news emerged of Xi's potential attendance at the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation Summit in South Korea. The owner reported receiving numerous calls and offers of substantial sums of money from individuals claiming to represent Chinese businesses, urging him to change the name.
Earlier this year, a complaint was filed with South Korea's Ministry of Intellectual Property regarding a menu item called "Xi Jinping Special Rice." The ministry reviewed the case but ultimately found no irregularities.
The recent attack is reported as the most significant incident the owner has experienced, with property damage estimated at approximately 15 million won (about $11,100 USD).
The restaurant closed for five days following the vandalism and reopened on Tuesday. The owner indicated that the establishment is now considering a new name.
Police identified the four suspects as Chinese men between the ages of 20 and 40. Authorities believe the men fled to Shanghai and Yantai, a city in China's Shandong province, after the attack. South Korean police are preparing to request Interpol red notices for the individuals, which would prompt global law enforcement to detain them pending extradition proceedings.
Reports indicate that the Xi Jinping restaurant serves a variety of Chinese dishes, with some South Korean options also available on the menu. Online reviews show the restaurant maintained an average score of four out of five stars.