Victimized Restaurant Owner: "They Turned My Store into a Wreck... Drove All the Customers Away"
A group of middle school students causing a disturbance in a restaurant for being told not to smoke is causing controversy. Photo by SBS Broadcasting.
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] A group of middle school students has sparked public outrage by causing a disturbance in a restaurant after the owner asked them not to smoke.
On the 15th, SBS released CCTV footage showing about 10 male and female middle school students in front of a restaurant in downtown Daegu. According to the report, they entered the restaurant, overturned tables, drove out customers, and pushed the female owner, causing a commotion.
It was reported that the students held a grudge and acted out after the restaurant owner had pointed out their smoking in front of the establishment the day before the incident.
The students' rampage continued for about 30 minutes even after the police arrived. They, who frequently smoked in front of the building's restroom, were also known to have smashed the building's CCTV cameras with their fists, displaying threatening behavior.
The victimized restaurant owner said in an interview, "They turned the place into a mess. They drove out all the customers while hurling all kinds of unspeakable insults, damaged property, and were impossible to control even after the police arrived." She added, "My wife is currently receiving psychiatric treatment due to the shock."
Meanwhile, the police have identified the group as local middle school students and are investigating the exact circumstances of the incident. After monitoring whether the victims reach an agreement, the police plan to send three main students involved to the prosecution.
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