When a Chinese‑style eatery in Seongnam, south of Seoul, chose the name "Xi Jinping", the owners hoped to stand out in a crowded market. The restaurant, which has operated for eight years, received calls from various groups demanding a name change a year ago after the Chinese leader announced his visit to the Asia Pacific Economic Co‑operation Summit in South Korea.
On the morning of 24 September, surveillance footage captured four masked men storming the premises. They smashed furniture and sprayed lacquer across the kitchen and dining area before vanishing. Police identified the suspects as Chinese men between 20 and 40, and authorities say they fled to Shanghai and Yantai.
The owner told local media that the damage cost about 15 million won (roughly $11,100). He confirmed the restaurant had been closed for five days and reopened the following Tuesday, but his team now considers re‑branding the eatery to distance it from political controversy.
Authorities plan to issue Interpol red notices for the four men. A red notice is a request to member‑states to arrest and hold suspects while extradition proceeds. Police say the suspects may be tracked internationally as part of the ongoing investigation.
The restaurant had previously faced a complaint over a menu item named "Xi Jinping Special Rice", but the Ministry of Intellectual Property closed the case after finding no infringement. Despite the scuffle, the restaurant maintains a four‑star rating on Google, and its menu still includes a mix of traditional Chinese and local Korean dishes.
