Surge in Violence Involving South Korean Tourists in Thailand and Vietnam Draws Local Backlash A growing number of violent incidents involving South Korean tourists in Southeast Asia—particularly in Thailand and Vietnam—has sparked criticism from local communities and raised concerns over deteriorating public perceptions. According to local news outlets Pattaya News and Pattaya Mail, around 10 South Korean tourists were involved in a group brawl on July 11 at a restaurant in Pattaya, one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations. Videos circulating on social media show several shirtless, tattooed men engaging in a chaotic fistfight, grappling and throwing punches inside the crowded restaurant. The scene quickly descended into panic, with other diners screaming and fleeing the premises. Thai police responded to the incident and detained four South Korean nationals for questioning. Authorities reported that the group had been dining together and began fighting after a verbal altercation escalated into physical violence. The restaurant demanded compensation totaling 100,000 baht (approximately $2,700 USD) for unpaid food and damages. The tourists reportedly agreed and paid the amount in full. The individuals were subsequently fined for public disorder before being released.
On the same day, another incident involving South Koreans occurred in My Dinh, a neighborhood in Hanoi, Vietnam known for its Korean community. According to local outlets Tuoi Tre and Vietnam News (VNS), two South Korean women allegedly assaulted two Vietnamese women at a photo booth. CCTV footage captured one of the Korean women slapping a Vietnamese woman and knocking her hat off while she was in the middle of a photo session. Reports indicate the Korean woman, who was waiting her turn, became impatient and aggressively demanded the Vietnamese woman to finish quickly. A physical altercation followed, with both parties pulling hair and pushing one another. The footage also shows the Korean woman kicking the Vietnamese woman after knocking her to the ground. According to the shop’s staff, the Vietnamese women still had time remaining for their session when the Korean women began shouting and provoking them. One of the Korean women involved is said to be an employee at a South Korean company operating in Vietnam. As the video footage and victim accounts spread widely online, Vietnamese netizens reacted with anger, condemning the aggressive behavior and demanding accountability. Local police have launched an investigation, reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses. Authorities plan to question the victims in the coming days. A spokesperson from the South Korean Embassy in Vietnam expressed concern over the incident, stating: “We are worried that this isolated act of misconduct could damage public sentiment between the two countries. We urge all South Korean nationals in Vietnam to act responsibly and avoid becoming involved in such incidents.”
SAM KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
