A mixed martial arts fighter chokes a cast member during a livestream. (YouTube livestream capture, Yonhap)
A mixed martial arts fighter chokes a cast member during a livestream. (YouTube livestream capture, Yonhap)

"Korean Zombie" Jung Chan-sung has expelled a fighter with a gangster background from ZFN, the mixed martial arts organization he founded, following a recent assault case involving a civilian.

ZFN said via its official channel Monday, "We determined that the recent controversial actions of our fighter during a livestream violated the code-of-conduct clause in the ZFN athlete contract, and effective today, we have terminated the athlete's contract."

"ZFN will continue to apply the same standard to our athletes' words and conduct without exception going forward," the organization added. "We hope for the victim's speedy recovery and apologize to our fans for the concern this has caused."

Police in western Incheon are investigating the fighter, identified only as A, 36, who caused the controversy.

A is accused of using a so-called "guillotine choke" technique to knock out a man in his 20s, identified as B, at an officetel in Cheongna-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon, around 4 a.m. Monday.

B reportedly lost consciousness after his head struck the floor hard. A then slapped B's face with his hand and left him there, saying, "Let him sleep it off."

After reviewing the footage, police launched an investigation and booked A.

Police plan to contact the victim to confirm the exact circumstances, while also investigating whether others who were present at the scene took part in the assault.

B is currently hospitalized and receiving treatment, with some parts of his body reportedly showing signs of paralysis.

B reportedly went to the officetel after exchanging messages with the YouTuber while watching the livestream.

Meanwhile, A was previously affiliated with a criminal organization that police had kept under watch, but he is reportedly no longer subject to such monitoring.


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