A South Korean photographer lies flat on the floor after being beaten and kicked by Chinese security guards in Beijing. [Press Corps.]
South Koreans showed a mixed reaction of anger and humiliation after Chinese security guards kicked and punched a group of journalists during their coverage of President Moon Jae-in's visit to a business event in Beijing.
According to media reports, a quarrel escalated into a violent clash when security guards blocked South Korean journalist from entering the event hall to follow Moon on Thursday, ahead of his summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
TV footages showed a group of security guards kicking and punching two photojournalists down to the floor despite strong protests from colleagues and South Korean officials. One was seen bleeding from his eye.
Moon's office said the two injured would fly back home Friday when China completes an investigation. Opposition politicians reacted furiously to the attack, calling for strong measures, but it has largely caused a mixed response in South Korea.
"An unbelievable act took place in China. We should react in a stern manner," wrote "Eumsoo", a user from South Korea's web portal Daum. Another called "ToLive" said: "The Chinese do not know who they just provoked. We should teach them a lesson!"
Others voiced humiliation or sarcasm. "The guards did what they were supposed to do, and the journalists tried to get near the president without taking proper procedures," said "Yakson", a different Daum user. "Lotus" said, "The journalists deserved it. They should have followed instructions."
The Journalists Association of Korea filed a complaint, condemning the assault as an intolerable act suppressing press freedom. It demanded China's apology.
South Korea's foreign ministry expressed regret, while Chinese Foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said Beijing is paying "close attention" to the incident that came on the heels of efforts by the two countries to mend fences following a prolonged diplomatic row over a U.S. missile shield.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
