Seoul, wife of the Belgian ambassador slaps two shopkeepers: mistaken for a thief

The first was slapped in the back of the head, the other in her face. The police have opened an investigation. However, the woman has diplomatic cover. The outrage of South Korean netizens. Demands for the expulsion of the ambassador and his wife. The assailant also targeted by public opinion because of her Chinese origin.

Seoul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Mistaken for a thief, the wife of the Belgian ambassador to South Korea slapped the shopkeeper and a saleswoman from a clothing store in the capital. The shop owners yesterday published the video of the attack which took place on April 9, causing outrage in South Korean public opinion.

In the images of her, Ms. Xiang Xueqiu is seen slapping the saleswoman in the back of the head first, and then the shopkeeper in the face. The latter suffered a swollen face and a bloodshot eye. The police have opened an investigation; however, as the wife of a diplomat, Xiang cannot be prosecuted by local justice.

The shop owner said he received no apology. Meanwhile, a wave of protests broke out in social media. South Korean netizens are demanding the expulsion of Ambassador Peter Lescouhier and his wife, as well as the payment of adequate compensation. In many posts, they also emphasize Xiang's Chinese origin, a reflection of a negative perception of China on the rise in South Korea.

So far, the Belgian embassy in Seoul and the Brussels authorities have not issued any statements on the incident.