MMA fighter chokes man unconscious during YouTube livestream; victim left partially paralyzed

Police have launched an investigation into an MMA fighter who choked a man unconscious during a YouTube livestream and left him unattended.

The Incheon Seobu Police Station said Monday it is investigating the fighter, identified only as A, 36, on assault charges.

A is suspected of applying a "guillotine choke" to a man in his 20s, identified as B, at an officetel in Cheongna-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon, at around 4 a.m. Sunday.

B is believed to have lost consciousness after the back of his head struck the floor hard. A then slapped B on both cheeks, said "let him sleep it off," and left him where he lay.

The entire incident was broadcast live on YouTube. Viewers reacted with alarm, with comments including "Shouldn't someone call 119?" and "A martial artist should not use techniques on ordinary people."

Police reviewed the footage, opened a case and booked A on the charges.

Investigators are contacting the victim's side to establish the full circumstances and plan to look into whether others present at the scene were involved.

B is currently hospitalized and receiving treatment, and has been found to have partial paralysis in some parts of his body.

B is believed to have visited the officetel after exchanging messages with the YouTuber while watching the livestream.

A was previously a member of a criminal organization monitored by police but has since been removed from the watch list.