**Restaurant Named After Xi Jinping Vandalized by Chinese Nationals in South Korea**
A restaurant in Seongnam, South Korea, named after Chinese President Xi Jinping has been vandalized by a group of masked men, identified as Chinese nationals. The incident occurred in the early hours of September 24, and surveillance footage captured the assailants damaging property and spraying lacquer throughout the establishment.
According to local police, the four suspects, who are believed to be aged between 20 and 40, fled to China shortly after the attack. Reports indicate that they may have traveled to Shanghai and Yantai, a city in Shandong province. South Korean authorities are planning to issue red notices through Interpol, which serve as requests for law enforcement agencies worldwide to detain individuals pending extradition.
The restaurant, which has been in operation for eight years, has faced increasing pressure regarding its name over the past year. The owner, who chose the name Xi Jinping with the intention of establishing the venue as a premier Chinese dining experience in South Korea, stated that there was "no political intent" behind the choice. However, following Xi Jinping's announcement to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation Summit in South Korea last year, the owner began receiving numerous demands for a name change.
He reported that some individuals, claiming to represent businesses in China, offered significant sums of money to change the restaurant's name. "They were persistent," he remarked, noting that he received dozens of calls related to the matter.
In April 2023, the restaurant faced scrutiny when a complaint was lodged with South Korea's Ministry of Intellectual Property regarding a dish on the menu named "Xi Jinping Special Rice." The ministry ultimately dismissed the complaint, concluding that there were no legal issues involved.
The vandalism incident has been described by the owner as the most severe attack he has experienced in the past year, with estimated damages amounting to approximately 15 million won (around $11,100 or £8,400). Following the attack, the restaurant temporarily closed for five days but has since reopened. The owner has indicated that his team is now contemplating a new name for the establishment.
Despite the controversy surrounding its name, the restaurant has maintained a positive reputation among customers, receiving an average rating of four out of five stars on Google reviews. The menu features a variety of Chinese dishes alongside some South Korean offerings, appealing to a diverse clientele.
The incident highlights the complex interplay of cultural, political, and social dynamics between China and South Korea, particularly in the context of rising nationalism and sensitivities surrounding political figures. As investigations continue, the restaurant's future remains uncertain, with potential implications for its branding and operations.