Stunned neighbours told police the couple appeared to have a good relationship.

But the wife, 54 – referred to as Mrs Kim – reportedly confessed to officers that he ignored her.

She also claimed that he had been violent against her.

Kim said he never gave her money to live on and spent a lot of time out and playing golf.

A neighbour found the husband writhing in pain on the floor after hearing him groaning in his flat.

He is said to be in a stable condition in hospital.

Police said they would probe more about the motive for the alleged attack before issuing an arrest warrant, Jeju Weekly reported.

Local sources said police suspected the husband could have been attacked for cheating on Kim, but the had no evidence to back it up.