Full Breakdown
Vandalism of South Korean “Xi Jinping” Restaurant Triggers Name Change and International Arrest Efforts
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
On the early morning of September 24 (occurred), surveillance footage captured four masked men breaking into the Chinese-cuisine restaurant “Xi Jinping” in Bundang-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. The intruders smashed furniture, damaged point-of-sale terminals, sprayed lacquer and paint across the interior and exterior signage, and dispersed a substance believed to be pesticide onto stored food ingredients. Police estimate the property damage at about 15 million won (? $11,000). The suspects fled the premises, took a taxi to a Seoul motel, and left South Korea the same day via Incheon International Airport for destinations in China, including Shanghai and Yantai.
Background & Context
The restaurant opened in 2018 and has operated under the name of Chinese President Xi Jinping for eight years. Beginning in mid-2023, the owner reported a surge of phone calls and in-person visits demanding a name change, some offering financial compensation. A prior incident in April 2024 involved a complaint to South Korea’s Ministry of Intellectual Property over a menu item called “Xi Jinping Special Rice,” which was later dismissed.
Data & Statistics
- Four suspects identified, ages 20s-40s, all Chinese nationals.
- 15 million won (? $11,000) in direct property damage reported by the owner.
- The attack occurred during the first day of the Chuseok holiday, when the restaurant was scheduled to be closed for three days.
Official Statements & Responses
South Korean police have charged the four men with joint property destruction and plan to request arrest warrants. A police official said the suspects entered Korea on tourist visas twice—about a month and a week before the crime—and appear to have timed the attack to coincide with the holiday closure. The Bundang Police Station announced on September 27 (occurred) that it had identified the suspects and would seek Interpol Red Notices after the warrants are issued.
Criticism & Opposition
He noted that while Korean society generally does not treat political leaders as sacred, using the name of China’s top leader for a commercial enterprise can be perceived as an insult in China, potentially motivating the violent response.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It appears that the gang entered the country a month before the crime and carried out the act during the Chuseok holiday when the restaurant was closed.” — police official
- “We are conducting cooperative investigations from multiple angles regarding the suspect as well,” — National Investigation Headquarters
Timeline
- September 24 (occurred): Vandalism attack captured on CCTV.
- September 27 (occurred): Police publicly identify four Chinese suspects and announce intent to apply for arrest warrants.
- September 28 (scheduled): Authorities plan to submit the warrants and request Interpol Red Notices.
What’s Next
Police intend to file the arrest warrants on September 28 and pursue international judicial cooperation to locate the suspects. The restaurant’s owner has filed a report to change the establishment’s name and plans to reopen under a new brand within the week. The investigation into the motive—whether the act was a spontaneous protest against the name or part of a coordinated campaign—remains ongoing, with authorities examining possible links to external organizers.