Korean youths attack 8th Army officer
SEOUL, South Korea (Army News Service, Dec. 16, 2002) -- Three Korean males, including one armed with a knife, attacked an unarmed U.S. Army officer last night just outside the gate of Yongsan Garrison.
The unidentified Koreans, estimated to be in their early 20s, attacked the lieutenant colonel in the pedestrian underpass near Gate 3 at about 8:40 p.m.
The officer told police that the attack began when the three Koreans insulted him and cursed at him in English as they approached in the underpass. The officer said he did not respond to the provocation, but instead attempted to pass the three individuals peacefully. After passing, the three men attacked him from behind.
One of the Koreans then punched the officer between his shoulders, shoving him headfirst into the underpass wall. He attempted to protect himself by shoving his attacker. A second man lunged at him, attempting to stab him in the stomach with a five-inch knife. The officer was able to twist away, he said, but sustained a minor cut to his left side where the knife grazed him.
The officer then struck the knife-wielding attacker once in self-defense and left the scene. He immediately notified the U.S. military police, who alerted Korean investigators.
The incident is currently under investigation, officials said. The officer was treated and released from the 121st General Hospital at Yongsan. He sustained a blow to the head, a cut on his left side, and minor abrasions and bruises.
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