Incheon fighter investigated after YouTube livestream assault leaves man hospitalized

Police in Incheon are investigating a mixed martial artist with a background in organized crime after he choked a YouTube livestream guest unconscious, then slapped him and told those nearby to let him "sleep it off."

Incheon Seobu Police Station said Monday it is investigating the fighter on charges of assault causing bodily harm. According to police, he applied a so-called guillotine choke to a man at a residence in Seo District, Incheon, at around 4 a.m. Sunday; the victim lost consciousness after the back of his head struck the floor.

Footage of the assault was broadcast live on YouTube. Viewers posted comments online such as, "Shouldn't someone call 119?" and "A fighter shouldn't use techniques like that on an ordinary person."

The victim is currently hospitalized and has reportedly shown signs of partial paralysis. He was reportedly a viewer of the YouTube channel who visited the residence after being in contact with the YouTuber.

The fighter was previously affiliated with an organized crime group monitored by police but is reportedly no longer under such monitoring.

"We plan to proceed with the investigation while monitoring the victim's condition," a police official said. "We will also look into whether people who were present during the broadcast were complicit in the assault."

BY JUNG SI-NAE [[email protected]]