Seoul, South Korea – A Chinese national has been arrested and five others are being sought by police after a violent assault on a Korean couple in Seoul’s Daelim-dong neighborhood. The attack, which occurred on Christmas Day, was reportedly triggered by a dispute over indoor smoking.

The suspect, identified only as A, was apprehended at the scene and charged with aggravated assault. According to police, A and five other Chinese nationals brutally attacked a Korean couple, B and C, outside a local barbecue restaurant.

The incident began when C asked the restaurant staff to request that A and his group refrain from smoking indoors. When the group ignored the request, B confronted them directly. A heated argument ensued, with racial slurs exchanged and threats made.

The situation quickly escalated, and the group dragged B and C outside, where they were subjected to a vicious assault involving punches, kicks, and the use of a beer bottle. B suffered multiple injuries, including a broken bone and lacerations, and required surgery. He has been given a medical prognosis of 16 weeks to recover.

Daelim-dong has long been a focal point for concerns about violence and crime, particularly within the foreign community. The area was designated as a special policing zone due to the frequency of gang-related assaults and other violent incidents.

In recent months, there have been several high-profile cases of violence involving Chinese nationals in the neighborhood. In June, three Chinese men were arrested for robbing and assaulting a Korean man in a local apartment building. In February, four Chinese individuals were taken into custody following a brawl at a bar.

Police are continuing their investigation into the latest incident and are working to apprehend the remaining suspects. The attack has sparked outrage among local residents and renewed calls for increased law enforcement presence in Daelim-dong.