The arson attack on Seoul’s Subway Line 5 has been identified as a premeditated act of murder. The 67-year-old suspect admitted to planning the fire in an attempt to “draw public attention” after losing a divorce lawsuit.
Setting Fire to the Train to “Gain Public Attention”
On June 25, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office announced the arrest and indictment of a 67-year-old suspect, identified as Won, on charges of attempted murder and arson of a train with potential to cause death. The charges are linked to the arson attack on Subway Line 5 that occurred on the morning of May 31.
According to the prosecution, the murder charge was filed following an in-depth investigation conducted by a special investigative team. Contrary to the initial assessment by police—which classified the incident merely as an act of vandalism—the prosecution determined that it was a premeditated, terrorist-like act of attempted mass murder, meticulously planned and intended to target all 160 passengers on board the train.
Premeditated Act Following Divorce Loss
According to investigators, Won committed the crime shortly after losing a divorce case. The unfavorable ruling on asset division was finalized on May 30 — just one day before the arson occurred.
Won told authorities that he viewed the court’s decision as “an insult and an attack” on himself. He admitted to setting the train on fire with the thought: “If I set a subway train on fire, society will finally pay attention to me.”
A comprehensive psychological evaluation by the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office concluded that while Won does not suffer from a personality disorder, he exhibits extreme, polarized, and self-centered thinking.
Carefully Planned Execution
The investigation revealed that the act of arson was meticulously planned. On May 21 — ten days prior to the attack — Won purchased 3.6 liters of gasoline from a gas station, using cash and wearing a motorcycle helmet to avoid identification. He also acquired a torch lighter, a tool capable of producing a much stronger and more dangerous flame than a regular lighter.
Before carrying out the attack, Won finalized his personal financial affairs. He canceled savings and insurance policies, liquidated all of his investment funds, and transferred his assets to family members — actions interpreted by authorities as signs of an intended suicide following the crime.
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Scouting Subway Lines Before the Attack
On May 30, just one day before the incident, Won was seen carrying gasoline and wandering through major subway lines — including Lines 1, 2, and 4 — seemingly searching for the right time and place to carry out his plan.
At approximately 8:42 a.m. on May 31, as the subway train was traveling from Yeouinaru Station to Mapo Station on Line 5 — a section that runs through a tunnel beneath the Han River — Won poured gasoline on the floor of car No. 4 and ignited it. The area doused with gasoline measured approximately 6.8 meters in length and 1.8 meters in width, covering a total of 12.24 square meters. Toxic smoke quickly spread to adjacent train cars.
Prosecutors stated that had the train’s interior not been made of flame-retardant materials, the incident could have resulted in a major disaster with mass casualties. Fortunately, thanks to the swift evacuation and timely response of passengers, the potential damage was significantly reduced.
Total Number of Victims Rises to 160
In addition to the 33 victims initially reported, prosecutors expanded the investigation by reviewing police records, medical reports, and the passenger list — ultimately identifying an additional 127 individuals affected by the incident. This brings the total number of confirmed victims to 160, including six who sustained injuries.
Prosecutors emphasized the severity of the act, stating: “Committing arson in a confined space such as an underwater subway tunnel — with a clear motive to attract attention and harm multiple people — constitutes an exceptionally serious crime that must be dealt with firmly and without leniency.”
The case is currently proceeding under the direction of prosecution, with a focus on applying the most severe legal penalties.