South Korean man sentenced to 7 years for arson murder attempt in inheritance feud

Prosecutors in Incheon have asked a court to impose a seven‑year prison term on a 50‑year‑old man (identified as A) for attempted murder and arson. The charges stem from an incident on 13 December 2023 in Kimpo, Gyeonggi Province, where A sprayed gasoline on his 20‑year‑old nephew B and set him alight at the home of B’s mother, A’s sister, amid a long‑running inheritance dispute.

A was detained and charged with attempted murder, arson and related offenses. In a decision‑making hearing on 20 January, the prosecution recommended the seven‑year sentence but did not detail its reasoning. Defense counsel argued that the evidence for attempted murder was insufficient and asked for acquittal on that count, while also emphasizing A’s remorse for the arson. A claimed he was heavily intoxicated and suffers from a cerebrovascular condition that affects his memory. The case remains pending a judicial ruling.