Restaurant Named After Xi Jinping Attacked by Chinese Nationals in South Korea

A restaurant in South Korea named after Chinese President Xi Jinping has been attacked by Chinese nationals, the BBC reported. The owner said he had chosen the name because he wanted to run what he described as the "best Chinese restaurant" in South Korea.

Details of the attack itself were limited in initial reporting, but the incident has drawn attention to how the restaurant's name has provoked reactions from within South Korea's Chinese community.

A Divisive Name

Using the name of a sitting head of state for a commercial business is unusual and, in this case, appears to have generated controversy rather than simply publicity. The owner's stated intention was aspirational branding rather than a political statement, according to the BBC's account, though the name has clearly not been received that way by everyone.

The episode highlights the sensitivities that can surround public use of political figures' names and imagery, particularly among diaspora communities where views of a home country's leadership can vary widely.

Further details about the nature of the attack, any resulting damage, and whether the owner plans to keep the restaurant's name were not immediately available.