Korean Restaurant Owner Reports Racial Abuse in Kimberley

A business owner has reported experiencing racial abuse and intimidation since establishing his restaurant in a town less than three weeks ago. Dima Kim, 45, a resident of Highbury Vale in Nottingham, operates A Taste of Korea, located on Main Street in Kimberley, Nottinghamshire. The establishment commenced operations on 23 October. Mr. Kim alleges that on 4 and 5 November, groups of teenagers engaged in throwing eggs at his restaurant, intimidating him, and using racially offensive language towards him. On Monday, Nottinghamshire Police announced the arrest of a 13-year-old boy in connection with suspected racially aggravated public order offenses and criminal damage. Mr. Kim stated that he was compelled to repaint portions of the building’s exterior due to damage resulting from the thrown eggs. He remarked, “My property’s brand new, inside and outside.” He added, “They’ve damaged the paint outside… the main thing is we can’t do anything to stop it from happening.” He also commented that he had “seen racism in this country, but not like this.” In an unrelated occurrence, Mr. Kim asserts that on 1 November, his wife was assaulted by a man at the restaurant, who grabbed her around the throat. Police confirmed that a 55-year-old man was apprehended subsequent to this event, on suspicion of racially aggravated violence. Consequently, law enforcement implemented a dispersal order in Kimberley, encompassing Main Street and adjacent thoroughfares. This order was in effect from 16:00 GMT until midnight on Thursday, and was subsequently prolonged, concluding at midnight on Sunday. Mr. Kim relocated to Nottingham 22 years prior, expressing a long-held desire for a modest, personal restaurant environment conducive to customer interaction. He stated that he located the current premises in Kimberley during the summer and invested approximately £25,000 to prepare it for opening. His decision to choose Kimberley was based on his preference for a smaller town setting, avoiding the city center. Mr. Kim commented, “Business was really, really good, and now we’re getting comments like ‘we’re afraid to go to your shop’.” He added, “But Kimberley people are supporting us, bringing us flowers, supporting us online which is really good.” Broxtowe borough councillor Andy Cooper, the representative for the Kimberley ward, further stated: “The majority of residents in Kimberley are compassionate and caring. It’s the minority that gives the town a bad name.” Police indicated their awareness of other local businesses that have also been subjected to antisocial behavior, with investigations currently in progress. Neighbourhood policing sergeant Simon Boyles affirmed: “We are continuing to take this antisocial behaviour seriously and we will be authorising further dispersal orders to protect our communities if we feel this is necessary.” He continued, “Our proactive patrols will continue, and I want to reassure members of the public that we will take appropriate action against individuals who cause safety concerns and misery for local people and businesses.” For updates, follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.