Police apprehended one suspect, identified as A, at the scene, while the other five fled as police sirens approached. A is being held on charges of aggravated assault, while authorities continue to search for the other suspects. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Korea Bizwire) —Seoul police are investigating a group of Chinese nationals accused of violently assaulting a Korean couple at a restaurant after a dispute over indoor smoking.
According to the Yeongdeungpo Police Station, six Chinese individuals allegedly attacked a man, identified as B, and his girlfriend at a lamb skewer restaurant in Yeongdeungpo District’s Daerim-dong on December 25.
The altercation began when the couple asked the group to smoke outside the restaurant, citing indoor smoking restrictions.
The group reportedly responded aggressively, saying, “What makes Koreans so special that you can’t allow smoking?” before physically assaulting B and dragging him outside.
Witnesses stated that B was beaten with a beer bottle and kicked repeatedly. His girlfriend was also reportedly assaulted, with her hair pulled and being dragged on the ground.
Police apprehended one suspect, identified as A, at the scene, while the other five fled as police sirens approached. A is being held on charges of aggravated assault, while authorities continue to search for the other suspects.
B sustained injuries, including minor fractures and abrasions, requiring a 16-week recovery period. His girlfriend’s injuries have not been disclosed.
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The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with Korean cultural commentator and activist Professor Seo Kyung-duk calling for strict legal action.
In a social media post on December 29, Seo expressed outrage over the attack, describing it as “crossing a line” and highlighting recurring issues involving Chinese nationals flouting local laws, including indoor smoking bans.
Professor Seo referenced a similar incident in July when a Chinese woman caused controversy by vaping inside a restaurant in Seoul’s Gangnam District despite objections.
He urged Chinese visitors to respect local laws and emphasized the need for exemplary legal consequences to deter such behavior in the future.
The Yeongdeungpo Police Station confirmed the ongoing investigation, noting that the incident has reignited discussions about ensuring adherence to local regulations by foreign residents and visitors.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
