A Korean American man was killed while traveling with a friend in Portugal, after being assaulted by locals who reportedly started an argument.
According to EuroWeekly News on October 18, Daniel Kim, a 35-year-old American tourist, was stabbed to death around 3:20 a.m. on October 15 in Cascais, a coastal city about 20 miles west of Lisbon, following a dispute with several locals.
Another Portuguese outlet, Cascais24Horas, identified the victim as Daniel Dongmin Kim and the injured friend as David Si Zhisheng, a 34-year-old Chinese American.
Local police said Kim and his friend were returning to their hotel after leaving a nightclub when three men confronted them. The altercation reportedly began when one of the men touched Kim’s friend’s hat.
Kim sustained stab wounds to his face, arms, and back, dying at the scene. His friend also suffered multiple injuries and was taken to Santa Maria Hospital in Lisbon, where he remains hospitalized.
The Portuguese Judicial Police announced the arrest of three suspects in connection with the incident. A 23-year-old man who worked at a local bar has been charged with murder and attempted murder, while two others face assault charges.
Local media reported that the resort town of Cascais, known for its safety and affluent neighborhoods, has been shaken by the incident amid rising violent crime in the Lisbon metropolitan area.
Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas recently called for increased police patrols in nightlife areas following a series of violent robberies and assaults.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson told Fox News on October 15 that officials are aware of the incident and are prepared to provide consular assistance to the victim’s family.
BY NAKI PARK [park.naki@koreadaily.com]
