South Korean Restaurant Renames After Vandalism Incident
A restaurant in Seongnam, South Korea, named 'Xi Jinping' is undergoing a rebranding following a destructive attack by four Chinese nationals.
According to Khaosod Online, a restaurant in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, has announced plans to change its name after being targeted by vandals. On September 24, 2026, four Chinese nationals reportedly broke into the establishment, which had been operating under the name 'Xi Jinping' since 2018. Security footage captured the masked individuals destroying furniture and spraying paint inside the premises. Furthermore, investigators found evidence that a substance suspected to be insecticide was sprayed onto food ingredients.
The restaurant owner reported damages estimated at approximately 15 million won (roughly 370,000 Thai Baht). The suspects reportedly fled to Shanghai and Yantai, China, on the same day as the incident. While the restaurant has resumed operations, the owner expressed significant safety concerns and confirmed that a new name will be installed soon. The owner previously stated that the name was chosen to signify 'the best Chinese food in South Korea' and was not intended to carry political connotations. For residents and travelers, this incident highlights how local business branding can occasionally trigger unexpected international tensions. It remains to be confirmed whether local authorities will pursue formal legal action against the suspects now that they have left the country.
