Chinese Nationals Vandalise South Korean Restaurant Named After President Xi Jinping
A South Korean restaurant owner who named his establishment after Chinese President Xi Jinping has reported multiple acts of vandalism, allegedly perpetrated by Chinese nationals. The proprietor, identified as Mr. Hwang, stated his desire was for his restaurant to be recognised as the “best Chinese restaurant” in South Korea, explaining that the name choice carried no political agenda but was rather a common practice in East Asian cultures to denote quality.
Despite this explanation, the restaurant, located in Gangwon Province, has become a flashpoint. Incidents have included the smashing of windows, the defacing of signage with red spray paint, and the repeated theft of the establishment’s sign. Police have documented the vandalism and confirmed that some suspects are indeed Chinese nationals.
The targeting of the restaurant highlights underlying tensions and differing interpretations of national symbols and respect abroad. While Mr. Hwang’s intent was commercial, the use of a national leader’s name has evidently been perceived as disrespectful or provocative by some within the Chinese expatriate community.
