'Random Flying Kick' at Han River Cyclists... "They Crossed the Line" Absurd Excuse

"I am the victim... I kicked to protect my body"

A story of a man in his 50s who was suddenly assaulted with a flying kick by another man while riding a bicycle along the Han River has sparked public outrage.

According to JTBC's 'Sageon Banjang' on the 22nd, the victim, Mr. A, was riding his bicycle on the Han River bike path in Seoul on the 20th when he was suddenly attacked by the perpetrator, Mr. B. Mr. A's wife said, "Mr. B suddenly delivered a flying kick to my husband who was on his bicycle," adding, "My husband, who was kicked, fell on the spot and suffered a fractured collarbone. Mr. B calmly walked away after the assault."

Due to Mr. B's assault, Mr. A, who was a chef, is now facing the risk of having to quit his job. Mr. A's wife lamented, "(My husband) is a chef, but because of this accident, he will not be able to properly use his foot for about six months to a year," and added, "He is even discussing resignation at work."

A man suddenly performed a flying kick on a man riding a bicycle on the Han River bike path.
[Image source=JTBC 'Case Officer' broadcast screen]

After assaulting Mr. A, Mr. B headed toward Dongjak Bridge. It is reported that he also assaulted a man in his 20s who was riding a bicycle on the bike path there. The young man was hit in the chest and collarbone and fell, but thanks to his helmet, he was able to avoid serious injury. Afterwards, Mr. B was caught by the victims while walking again, and the police took Mr. B into custody based on the victims' statements.

Mr. A's side claims that Mr. B assaulted a total of three people on the bike path while moving from Yeouido toward Hangang Railway Bridge and Dongjak Bridge that day. However, during the police investigation, Mr. B reportedly stated, "The bicycle crossed the line and came toward me, so I kicked to protect myself," and claimed, "I am the victim."

[Image source=JTBC 'Sageon Banjang' news screen]

The police have received two assault reports related to this case and are conducting further investigations based on victim statements and closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage.

Netizens who heard about the incident responded with comments such as, "Random violence kicking a moving bicycle is the worst crime that could potentially lead to casualties," "What if the victim hadn't recorded it? The perpetrator must be severely punished," "I ride a bicycle often, this is chilling," and "It's no different from attempted murder."