Korean conglomerate employee attacked in Turkey in Jan.

A Korean businessman was recently assaulted by a group of unidentified people in Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, in January and sustained serious injuries, sources said Tuesday.

The unidentified businessman works for the Istanbul branch office of a Korean conglomerate, the sources said, noting his injuries were not life-threatening.

The incident, in which the Korean man was assaulted by unknown local individuals, occurred near his Istanbul office in the middle of January, they said. The perpetrators, who appeared to have waited in advance for the victim, fled immediately after the assault without touching his personal belongings, they added.

The victim was treated for injuries, such as a broken nose, and was said to be suffering from psychological shock. The perpetrators are still at large.

Many Korean residents in Turkey suspect the assault may have been orchestrated by locals who were dissatisfied with transactions with the Korean conglomerate.

Last year, another resident employee of the same conglomerate left Turkey before the end of his term after feeling a threat to his own safety.

The Korean Consulate General in Istanbul declined to comment on the incident, saying it is sensitive in many respects and can affect bilateral relations.

The consulate general also refused to speak on whether the Turkish authorities’ investigation is focused on the possibility of business disputes.

Meanwhile, the Korean conglomerate said it has taken measures to enhance the safety of its employees in Turkey after the assault last month.

The company said it has strengthened security around its Istanbul office and encouraged its employees to travel in groups and leave the office earlier in the evening.

Yonhap