Restaurant named after Xi Jinping attacked by Chinese nationals in South Korea

A restaurant in South Korea named after Chinese leader Xi Jinping was vandalised by a group of Chinese nationals who fled home immediately after the incident, police say.

Surveillance footage from the Seongnam‑based eatery shows four masked men storming the premises in the early hours of Sept. 24, smashing furniture and spraying lacquer over the interiors.

The owner told local media that he chose the name “Xi Jinping” solely to attract customers, adding that “there was no political intent.” He also said the restaurant has been operating for eight years but started receiving calls for a name change only in the past year.

When the Chinese leader was slated to attend the Asia‑Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea, the owner received dozens of phone calls from people demanding a name change, some even offering money.

After the attack, police identified the four suspects as Chinese men aged between 20 and 40. They are believed to have fled to Shanghai and Yantai, a city in Shandong province.

Authorities plan to request Interpol red notices for the men, which would alert police worldwide to detain them pending extradition.

The damaged property amounted to roughly 15 million won (about $11,100). The restaurant closed for five days before reopening on Tuesday and is now considering a new name.

While its menu features a range of Chinese dishes, it also includes some Korean offerings and holds an average rating of four stars on Google.