Korean trader hurt in Angeles ambush

ANGELES CITY, Philippines – A Korean businessman was wounded in an ambush by motorcycle-riding men in Barangay Balibago here on Tuesday afternoon, police said. 

The victim, Yung Jo Kunk, 61, who is temporarily staying in one of the posh subdivisions here, was reported to be in stable condition in a local hospital.

The case adds to the growing number of crimes involving Koreans either as victims or suspects, amid reports that mafia groups exist in their community here.

A number of Koreans residing and doing business in the city reportedly belong to different factions.

Police said Yung was driving his Toyota Fortuner when he was waylaid. He remained in the intensive care unit of a hospital here yesterday, tightly guarded by policemen.

Probers declined to give more details on the case pending further investigation.

Last November, immigration agents arrested Cho Yang-eun, 63, one of South Korea’s most wanted fugitives, here. Cho hid in the country for two years and was collared while leaving a casino.

Cho, according to the Justice department, headed the Korean mafia, responsible for extorting and threatening fellow Koreans, reportedly even those residing here. He was later deported.

Police records show that there were other violent incidents involving Koreans who have invested in restaurants, hotels, spas, schools and other businesses here.