A Korean man in his 30s suspected of attacking a female Singaporean student in broad daylight last week was arrested by the police Tuesday.
The suspect, whose name and age were being withheld as of Monday afternoon, is being accused of punching the student several times in the face at around 4 p.m. on Friday, according to the Dongdaemun Police Station. The victim was walking at a crosswalk in Hwigyeong-dong, Dongdaemun-gu in Seoul when she was attacked.
Police said the suspect has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and has difficulties with communication.
The victim reportedly sustained a slight injury to her face, including swelling. She filed a report with police after she escaped the scene.
The man suddenly attacked the victim as he was crossing the road with a male family member, according to a post shared by the victim on an online college community before the suspect's arrest. The family member attempted to pull the suspect away from her, she added.
Police said they offered the victim a smartwatch to protect her from other potential attacks. The smartwatch system can identify the location of the wearer in emergencies to respond to potential crimes. It is provided to victims of stalking and other potential crimes. When the victim presses the "emergency" button, a report is immediately filed with the police.
Police plan to investigate the incident further.
The victim has been identified as an international student from Singapore. She is reportedly attending a university in the nearby area where the incident took place.
