Pyeongtaek:Police are investigating a violent late-night clash between groups of people from Central Asian nations in Pyeongtaek, an incident that reportedly left many local residents in shock and fear.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the suspected brawl erupted around 11:40 p.m. on Saturday in a residential neighborhood about 60 kilometers south of Seoul. Two men in their 20s, identified as a Russian national and a Kyrgyz national, were detained while attempting to flee the scene, according to Pyeongtaek Police Station.
Authorities estimate that around 15 people were involved, although initial witness accounts suggested about 40 participants. Photos taken by onlookers depicted many young men wielding club-like weapons. The detained suspects sustained injuries, including fractures, and were taken to a hospital for treatment. Both are legal residents who entered South Korea on visas.
The suspects, along with two witnesses, have denied involvement, claiming they were attacked while walking down the street. The police have yet to determine the nationalities, immigration status, and identities of the remaining suspects who fled.
Investigators suspect the brawl may have stemmed from a conflict between groups of Central Asian nationals in the area, which hosts a significant community of foreign workers and ethnic Koreans from Central Asia. The police currently do not believe the suspects are part of an organized crime group but are examining the relationships among those involved.
To track the remaining suspects, police are analyzing surveillance footage and vehicle license plates, while also investigating any prior contacts or interactions among the individuals. In response to the incident occurring at a children's park in a residential area, police have increased patrols to alleviate residents' concerns and prevent further disturbances.