S Korean tycoon quizzed on attack

Kim Seung-youn denies the allegations against him

A South Korean business tycoon has been questioned by police over an alleged revenge attack, in a case that has made headlines around the country.

Kim Seung-youn, the chairman of Hanwha group, was questioned for 11 hours at a police station in Seoul.

Local media say police are seeking a warrant for his formal arrest.

Mr Kim is suspected of ordering his bodyguards to abduct and beat up several bar staff who had allegedly scuffled with his son Dong-won.

Dong-won, 22, a Yale University student, is said to have needed 11 stitches for an eye injury after the attack at another bar in Seoul in March.

The case has gripped the country, where heads of giant conglomerates wield much power and influence and are sometimes perceived to be above the law.

Apology

A Hanwha spokesman said Mr Kim denied the allegations against him.

Mr Kim himself has said nothing about the claims, but apologised for "causing trouble over a personal issue" as he arrived at the police station in Seoul on Sunday for questioning.

According to South Korean media reports, the bar workers were taken to a mountainous area south of Seoul by Mr Kim's bodyguards, and beaten up.

Some of the staff told police they were beaten by the 55-year-old company chairman himself as well as his son, Yonhap news agency reports.

Hanwha is said to be South Korea's 12th largest conglomerate, with interests in petrochemicals, finance, construction, retail. It also owns a professional baseball team.