Kaohsiung:Two suspects who allegedly fled to South Korea following a fatal assault in Kaohsiung's Nanzih District have been returned to Taiwan and taken into custody. The suspects, Lin, a 25-year-old used-car dealership owner, and Liu, a 23-year-old employee, were apprehended upon their arrival at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport on Saturday.

According to Focus Taiwan, the Kaohsiung City Police Department's Criminal Investigation Corps reported that the arrests were made by a special investigation team. South Korean police detained the suspects at the request of Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau through its liaison officer in South Korea.

Investigators believe Lin planned the assault, while Liu participated in the beating of the victim. Both suspects have denied any wrongdoing, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The case first emerged on September 30 when a 22-year-old man, Mu, reported to the Nanzih Precinct of the Kaohsiung City Police Department that he had accidentally killed a coworker during a beating. Mu then drove the body to the police station and surrendered.

Prosecutors allege that Mu, Liu, and others assaulted a coworker named Chang at Lin's dealership around 1 a.m. on September 30. The victim was reportedly struck with hot-melt glue sticks and clubs due to a dispute over NT$100,000 (US$3,079).

Initially questioned by police and released on October 1, Lin and Liu became key suspects after further evidence was gathered. Authorities later discovered the suspects had fled to South Korea on October 2, prompting prosecutors to issue arrest warrants.

Mu and three other suspects, Wu, Yeh, and Chen, have been detained on suspicion of murder due to concerns they might flee, coordinate testimonies, or tamper with evidence. A juvenile suspect, Huang, has been referred to juvenile court.