Moscow arrests 2 in stabbing of Korean man

The Foreign Ministry yesterday said Russian authorities have arrested two suspects in Sunday’s stabbing of a Korean student in Moscow.

The ministry also summoned Konstantin Vnukov, the Russian ambassador to Korea, to express Seoul’s concerns over the recent attacks against Koreans in Russia.

The Korean student, Shim, remained in critical but stable condition yesterday after being stabbed in the neck by a masked assailant, as another masked man stood by. In mid-February, another young Korean man died after being attacked by three youths.

In his meeting with First Vice Foreign Minister Shin Kak-soo, Vnukov said two suspects are being questioned, a senior ministry official said.

Vnukov, who sent condolences to the families of the Korean men, said Russian authorities told him the attacks might not have specifically targeted Koreans.

Shin was quoted as calling it “regrettable” that these assaults are happening as Korea and Russia celebrate the 20th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

By Yoo Jee-ho [jeeho@joongang.co.kr]