Police in three states are seeking to allay fears of anti-Asian race attacks after a spate of incidents involving South Korean nationals.
The assaults have been highlighted by the media in Seoul, which has questioned the safety of foreigners in Australia. But the country's consulate here says it's been reassured the attacks weren't racially motivated.
'Jang' was walking through a Melbourne park with friends when he says he was approached by a group of threatening teenagers chanting anti-Asian taunts.
"They asked for cigarettes and money and then during the attack I almost lost my finger and I ended up with a broken arm," he told SBS.
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The attack on the 23-year-old, along with those on two fellow South Koreans in Sydney and Brisbane, have featured in headlines back in their homeland, with reporters sent from Seoul to interview victims.
Authorities are concerned about a damaging repeat of the 2009 media frenzy in India over violence against Indian students in Australia that led to strained diplomatic relations.
In a statement, the South Korean Consulate says it's very concerned about the attacks in Australia but believes there was no racial motivation behind the incidents.
"This sort of thing could happen to anyone, especially people travelling to and from work late at night," said the statement.
Victorian police have charged a teenager over the attack with assault and robbery-related offences, but say none of those involved in recent attacks have been accused of any racially-motivated crimes.
Deputy Commissioner Lucinda Nolan says police are working hard to reassure communities about their safety. "For people from all races, ethnic, multi-faith, you name it. We welcome them here."
While the latest police figures show a jump in the crime rate, few involve race-hate attacks.
"There have been some isolated incidents. Victoria Police and the government take these immensely seriously as you can imagine. All these have been thoroughly investigated," Ms Nolan said.
One of those cases has received world-wide prominence: the threats of violence and racial abuse directed at a female French tourist on a suburban Melbourne bus. Three passengers have been questioned by detectives.
