Surveillance footage captured a dramatic incident on the night of 24 September in Seongnam, a city just south of Seoul. Four masked men, identified by police as Chinese nationals aged between 20 and 40, stormed a Chinese eatery that bears the name of China’s leader, Xi Jinping. They smashed furniture and sprayed lacquer across the premises, causing damage estimated at about 15 million won (roughly $11,100).
Background of the restaurant
The establishment, which has operated for eight years, was deliberately named after Xi Jinping by its owner, who said he wanted the venue to be “the best Chinese restaurant in South Korea” and that there was no political motive behind the choice. Over the past year, the restaurant has faced increasing pressure to change its name. In August 2023, after news that Xi would attend the Asia‑Pacific Economic Co‑operation Summit in South Korea, the owner reported receiving dozens of phone calls demanding a rename, some accompanied by offers of money. A complaint was also lodged with the Ministry of Intellectual Property in April over a menu item called “Xi Jinping Special Rice,” but the case was closed without finding any violation.
Details of the attack
The attack was the most severe incident reported by the owner in the last twelve months. The vandals entered the restaurant in the early hours, broke furniture, and sprayed lacquer, leaving the interior heavily damaged. The owner estimated the repair cost at around 15 million won. The restaurant closed for five days following the incident but reopened on the Tuesday after the attack.
Police response and international pursuit
South Korean police identified the four suspects as Chinese men and say they fled the scene, heading toward Shanghai and Yantai in Shandong province. Authorities plan to request red notices from Interpol – international alerts that ask member police forces to detain the individuals pending extradition. While a red notice is not an arrest warrant, it signals a coordinated effort to locate the suspects across borders.
Potential implications
- Diplomatic sensitivity: The incident underscores how commercial branding that references political figures can become a flashpoint, especially amid heightened nationalist sentiment.
- Security concerns for diaspora businesses: The attack may prompt other overseas Chinese enterprises to reassess naming strategies and security measures.
- Legal avenues: The use of Interpol red notices illustrates South Korea’s willingness to engage international law‑enforcement mechanisms for crimes that cross national boundaries.
Uncertainty and next steps
While police have identified the suspects and intend to seek Interpol assistance, the success of any extradition will depend on cooperation from Chinese authorities, which has not been confirmed. The restaurant’s owner has indicated that a name change is under consideration, but no final decision has been announced. Further developments may hinge on the outcome of the investigation and any diplomatic dialogue that follows.
For now, the restaurant continues to serve a mix of Chinese and South Korean dishes, maintaining an average rating of four out of five stars on Google reviews. Its future, both in branding and security, remains to be seen as authorities pursue the perpetrators and the owner weighs his options.