By Lee Hyo-sik
Martial arts fighter Choi Hong-man has been booked for assaulting a female customer at a pub he owns after arguing with her over the bill, police said Wednesday.
According to the Gwangjin Police Station, the former ssirum, or traditional Korean wrestling, champion allegedly punched a female customer in her 20s in the head at his bar on Oct. 8.
The two argued over the bill with the customer complaining that she was over-charged.
Choi then allegedly hit the customer with his fist after she cursed at him. The woman posted a message on a local Internet portal site the following day that she was beaten up by the K-1 fighter.
Police said officers summoned Choi and questioned him about what happened. They are currently questioning those present at the bar at the time of the incident.
On Wednesday, Choi posted a message on his homepage stating that he never punched the customer.
``She verbally insulted me. I just could not take it anymore. I just pushed her a little bit. I swear that I never punched her,’’ he wrote.
Choi then said he will take all possible legal action against the woman if she continues to lie about the incident. “I regret that I pushed her. But I was so mad at the time. I do not want to make a fuss about of it. But I will keep an eye on what she does. If I am lying, I will quit my career as a K-1 fighter.’’