In the early hours of September 24, masked Chinese nationals broke into a Seoul‑suburb restaurant in Seongnam that bore the name of China’s President Xi Jinping. The attackers smashed tables and sprayed lacquer on the interior, causing an estimated ₩15 million (about $11,100) in damage.
The four men, identified as Chinese nationals aged 20‑40, fled South Korea immediately after the raid. Police say they have traced the suspects to Shanghai and Yantai in China and will seek Interpol “red notices” to have them detained pending extradition.
The establishment, which has operated for eight years, chose the name “Xi Jinping” to attract customers, the owner told local media, and the restaurant has run a menu item called “Xi Jinping Special Rice.” Over the past year it has received repeated demands to change the name, some accompanied by financial offers.
The incident follows a surge in nationalist sentiment in South Korea amid the Asia‑Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit scheduled in Seoul, where Xi was announced to attend. The attack has raised concerns over cross‑border political symbolism and the safety of businesses adopting foreign political names.
The restaurant reopened Tuesday after a five‑day closure, and the owner said the staff are exploring a new name while appealing to authorities for protection.
