Authorities in Seoul’s Mapo district have apprehended a U.S. serviceman stationed in Korea after he assaulted a local man in a Hongdae nightclub and fled the scene.
Details of the Assault
The incident unfolded around 3 a.m. on March 21 in a popular club in Hongdae, Mapo-gu. The serviceman, referred to as A, and another soldier B got into a confrontation with a Korean man. B headbutted the victim in the cheek, while A grabbed his neck and repeatedly punched his face. The victim also endured additional indignities, including being spat on with coffee grounds.
Soldier B was detained on-site by security, but A escaped by hailing a taxi.
Investigation and Apprehension
Seoul Mapo Police Station received the assault complaint and took action on April 16, formally booking soldier A for questioning. Analysis of closed-circuit television footage, combined with victim statements, confirmed A’s involvement. Cooperation from military officials proved crucial, as A had used a falsified ID card bearing a fake name instead of his real identity.
Officials state the probe remains active, with a decision pending on whether to pursue an arrest warrant against A.
