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Seoul Gangnam building arson attacks

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2026-10-22 12:32 UTC → 2026-10-26 04:07 UTC · added removed

On October 20, a man in his 70s set fire to two buildings in the Yeoksam-dong area of Gangnam, Seoul. The fires, which occurred approximately seven minutes apart at the Shinmyeong Building and the Hanyang Building, targeted offices housing patent law firms. The incidents resulted in 19 injuries, including one patent attorney who suffered cardiac arrest. The suspect was apprehended near Dongmyo Station and admitted to the acts, claiming a desire to expose alleged fraud committed by the firms regarding his intellectual property. During a court appearance on October 22, the suspect denied intending to kill anyone, stating he only intended to “scare” the occupants. The Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant citing a risk of flight. Investigations have revealed the suspect has a prior criminal record for a similar incident four years ago, when he was sentenced to 2.5 years in 2022 involving prison for attempting to set fire to patent law firms in the same locations. area. The Seoul Central District Court issued an arrest warrant citing suspect maintains he is a risk victim of flight, and authorities fraud, specifically alleging that firms failed to provide physical paper patent certificates—a document the firms state is not issued under standard procedures. Police are currently investigating whether to add attempted murder charges, noting victim statements that the suspect appeared to be searching for a specific individual prior to the fires. Authorities are also reviewing the suspect's mental health while considering additional charges of attempted murder. history and plan to deploy profilers to determine if obsession or delusions drove the attacks. A decision on transferring the case to prosecutors is expected by October 30.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-26 04:07 UTC Seoul Gangnam building arson attacks
  2. 2026-10-22 12:32 UTC Seoul Gangnam building arson attacks

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