Arsonist Sets Fire to 70 Stores in Incheon Hyundai Market... Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

This March, a severe sentence was requested for an arsonist who set fire to Incheon Hyundai Market, causing property damage worth approximately 1.2 billion KRW.

On the 30th, the prosecution requested a 15-year prison sentence for A (48), who was charged with general arson of a building and other offenses, at the sentencing hearing held by the 15th Criminal Division of the Incheon District Court (Chief Judge Ryu Hojung).

The prosecution stated that A had been punished multiple times for arson in the past but committed this crime again, and therefore a severe sentence corresponding to the crime was necessary.

A’s defense attorney said in the final argument, "The defendant has a habitual compulsion to start fires when drinking alcohol and had been trying to be careful, but the crime occurred," adding, "He himself is seriously aware of the problem of repeating the same behavior and intends to receive fundamental treatment going forward."

He also appealed for leniency, saying, "Although the property damage caused by the crime is significant, please consider that there were no casualties and that the defendant is remorseful."

Arsonist at Incheon Hyundai Market
Photo by Yonhap News

A also made a final statement, saying, "I sincerely apologize to all the victims," and "I will reflect on my actions, apologize, quit drinking and smoking, and live the rest of my life diligently."

A was arrested and indicted on charges of setting fire to five locations, including a dish store and a small cargo truck, while intoxicated in the Hyundai Market area of Dong-gu, Incheon, from 11:38 p.m. on March 4 for about 10 minutes.

Although there were no casualties at the time, 70 out of 205 stores in the entire Hyundai Market were burned, causing property damage estimated at 1.23 billion KRW (according to the fire department).

From 2006 to 2018, he committed arson 24 times and was indicted four times, serving a total of 10 years in prison for the sentences he received each time.

A man in his 40s, Mr. A, set fire to the Hyundai Market in Dong-gu, Incheon, in March this year, burning 70 out of 205 stores and causing property damage estimated at 1.23 billion KRW (according to the fire department). 2023.3.4 [Image source=Yonhap News]

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