Chinese men allegedly vandalize ‘Xi Jinping’ restaurant in South Korea

Four Chinese men, aged between their 20s and 40s, allegedly vandalized a restaurant named ‘Xi Jinping’ in Seongnam, South Korea, during the Chuseok holiday on September 24. The suspects, who wore masks and hats to conceal their identities, reportedly broke into the establishment in the Bundang District around 2:40 a.m.

According to police, the perpetrators spent approximately one hour damaging the interior by tearing furniture and spraying lacquer and paint across walls and surfaces. The restaurant’s sign was also covered in black paint. Investigators also found empty pesticide and insecticide containers at the scene and suspect the men sprayed a pesticide-like substance onto food ingredients in the kitchen.

Following the incident, the suspects reportedly took a taxi to Seoul before traveling to Incheon International Airport and departing for mainland China, specifically cities including Yantai and Shanghai. South Korean police have identified the suspects through CCTV footage and noted they had entered the country on tourist visas. Authorities are planning to seek international judicial cooperation to track down the individuals. The restaurant owner stated that the business had previously faced protests and calls regarding its name.