South Korea Police Probe Mass Brawl Involving Kazakh and Kyrgyz Nationals

Police in the South Korean city of Pyeongtaek are investigating a mass brawl involving foreign nationals, examining a possible conflict between groups of citizens from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, according to infohub.kz.

The incident occurred late in the evening on October 3 near the port of Pyeongtaek. A kindergarten and an elementary school are located near the scene. According to investigators, about 15 people took direct part in the fight.

Police have already detained two men around 20 years old — a Russian citizen and a Kyrgyz citizen. Both were hospitalized with injuries, including fractures. The detainees deny involvement in the attack and claim they were themselves beaten while walking down the street.

The other suspected participants fled. Their identities and citizenship have not yet been established. Police are looking into the possibility that Kazakh nationals were involved, but there is no confirmed data on this at present.

Wooden boards and a baseball bat were found at the scene. Rumors about the use of weapons with iron nails were not confirmed.

Law enforcement officers are reviewing surveillance camera footage and license plate numbers of vehicles in which the participants may have left. Investigators are also checking whether they had arranged to meet in advance and who provided transportation.

"We are deploying all available personnel to conduct special operations to prevent crimes before they are detained, in order to prevent public anxiety," a police representative said.

If involvement in the attack is proven, those responsible could face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won (about 3.39 million tenge). If bodily harm is caused under such circumstances, the punishment could range from one to ten years in prison.

In addition to criminal punishment, foreigners may face deportation from South Korea. Immigration authorities are considering this issue taking into account the circumstances of the case and residency status. No decision has been reported yet on deporting the detainees.