Arson Monk at Naejangsan Daeungjeon: "I Drank and Acted Impulsively... I'm Sorry"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Ji-hwan] A monk in his 50s who was arrested for setting fire to the Daeungjeon Hall of Naejangsa Temple in Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk, apologized for his crime on the 7th.

Before attending the warrant hearing (pre-arrest suspect interrogation) held at the Jeongeup Branch of Jeonju District Court that day, suspect A (53) said in response to reporters' question, "Why did you set the fire?" "I deeply, deeply apologize to the citizens of Jeongeup-si."

When asked "Why did you commit the crime?" he replied, "I was drinking and acted impulsively," adding, "My judgment was clouded in the moment. I immediately regretted it right after the crime."

When asked "Why did you report to the police after setting the fire?" he said, "Because I didn’t want the fire to spread to the mountain." When asked "What did the monks do to upset you?" he said, "I will explain in detail after going inside."

Mr. A is suspected of pouring an inflammable substance and setting fire to the Daeungjeon Hall of Naejangsa Temple around 6:37 p.m. on the 5th. The Daeungjeon Hall was completely burned down, causing property damage estimated by the fire department at 1.78 billion won.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.