Xi Jinping‑Named Restaurant in South Korea Vandalised by Chinese Nationals

Surveillance footage of men spraying lacquer at restaurant
Surveillance footage shows masked men spraying lacquer across the restaurant in Seongnam, South Korea.

In Seongnam, a South Korean suburb of Seoul, a Chinese‑themed restaurant bearing the name of national leader Xi Jinping was vandalised early on 24 September.

Surveillance footage captured four masked men storming the premises, smashing furniture and spraying a clear lacquer across the counter and walls before fleeing.

The owner, who said he named the restaurant “to make it the best Chinese restaurant in South Korea” and stressed there was no political intent, has faced calls to change the name for over a year.

He reported dozens of phone calls in August last year after Xi was announced to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, some callers even offering money to rename the establishment.

Police identified the suspects as Chinese nationals aged between 20 and 40. They are believed to have fled to Shanghai and Yantai, a city in Shandong province, following the attack.

Authorities plan to request red notices from Interpol for the four men, which are not arrest warrants but requests for police worldwide to detain the suspects pending extradition.

The restaurant suffered an estimated 15 million won ($11,100) in damage, closed for five days, and reopened on Tuesday. The owner is now weighing a new name for the eatery.