Chinese Nationals Vandalize Xi Jinping-Themed Restaurant in South Korea

A Chinese-owned restaurant in South Korea that took its name from Chinese President Xi Jinping was vandalized by a group of four masked men identified as Chinese nationals, according to local police. The incident occurred in the early hours of September 24 in Seongnam, a city located south of Seoul.

Surveillance footage captured the suspects storming the establishment, smashing furniture, and spraying lacquer across the interior. The restaurant’s owner, who has operated the business for eight years, told The Chosun Daily that he selected the name because he wanted it to be the best Chinese restaurant in the country, insisting there was no political motivation behind the choice.

Pressure to rename the establishment reportedly began mounting about a year ago. The owner stated that in August of the previous year, when news emerged that President Xi would attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, he received dozens of calls demanding a name change. Some callers, claiming to represent businesses in China, offered large sums of money for the rebranding, described by the owner as persistent overtures.

Legal challenges also arose earlier this year. In April, a complaint was filed with South Korea’s Ministry of Intellectual Property regarding a menu item called “Xi Jinping Special Rice.” The ministry ultimately dismissed the case, finding no regulatory issues. Police confirmed on Tuesday that the four suspects, aged between 20 and 40, fled to Shanghai and Yantai in China’s Shandong province following the attack.

Authorities are preparing to request Interpol red notices for the individuals, which serve as international requests to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition. The total property damage was assessed at approximately 15 million won, or $11,100. After being closed for five days, the restaurant reopened on Tuesday, though the owner is now considering changing the eatery’s name.