By Chung Hyun-chae

A drunk U.S. Embassy official is suspected of hitting a taxi driver in Itaewon, Seoul, early Friday morning, the Yongsang Police Station said.

The police said that the American diplomat, 36, identified as Kim, was apprehended for allegedly punching the driver in the face five times after wrangling with him.

Police officers, who were dispatched to the scene, took the official to the police office in Itaewon for questioning.

First he tried to hide his identity. But when investigators verified who he was, he admitted that he worked at the American Embassy.

After questioning, the official was let go because of his diplomatic immunity.

According to diplomatic immunity, which ensures diplomats are not subject to criminal charges in a host country, he will not face criminal punishment, unless the U.S. Embassy waives the privilege.

"We will request his summons through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but he can refuse to come," a police officer said.

Earlier in May, a New Zealand diplomat was arrested on charges of assaulting a police officer who responded to complaints about his drunk behavior.

The New Zealand Embassy revoked his diplomatic immunity, saying that it would cooperate with any investigation.