A son of Hanwha Group chairman Kim Seung-youn was booked without detention for destruction of property at a bar in Yongsan, said police Thursday, drawing attention to the family’s violent past.

On Sept. 27, Kim Dong-seon, 21, was caught fighting with security guards and bar employees at a luxury hotel in Yongsan, breaking furniture and a window, and injuring three people after an argument with a female employee.

“The incident seems to have taken place without prior intention as Kim was drinking at the hotel bar,” said a police official.

Kim, the third son of the Hanwha chairman, was processed through normal procedures, according to police.

The assault victims chose not to press charges.

Police determined that Kim was only partially conscious during the time of the incident and that Kim will not appear before a judge.

A similar incident took place in 2007 with second son Kim Dong-won, who was involved in a scuffle with bar workers. Hours later, chairman Kim sought revenge, getting local gangsters to kidnap and beat up the employees, while personally using a steel pipe in the assault.

Former police officials were also suspected of receiving bribes from Hanwha Group members seeking to influence the 2007 investigation.

By Robert Lee
(rjmlee@heraldcorp.com)