Man in His 60s Arrested for Line 5 Arson: "Risk of Flight and Reoffending"

Dissatisfaction with Divorce Lawsuit Outcome Led to Arson, Suspect Claims
"Unfathomable Motive, Risk of Reoffending"

A man in his 60s who set fire inside a Subway Line 5 train has been arrested.

A man in his 60s who set fire inside a Seoul Subway Line 5 train appeared at the Seoul Southern District Court on June 2 for a warrant hearing. 2025.06.02 Photo by Yoon Dongju

On June 2, Lee Younggwang, chief judge in charge of warrants at the Seoul Southern District Court, issued an arrest warrant for a man surnamed Won in his 60s, who is accused of arson resulting in injury on a running train, after conducting a pre-arrest suspect interrogation (warrant hearing). The judge cited concerns that the suspect might flee and posed a risk of reoffending.

The chief judge stated, "Given that the crime caused significant danger to public safety and resulted in serious damage, the offense is grave. Also, considering that the suspect prepared tools for the crime in advance with an incomprehensible motive, there is a risk of recidivism."

Won is accused of pouring gasoline and setting fire to clothing inside a train running between Yeouinaru Station and Mapo Station at around 8:43 a.m. on May 31.

A total of 23 people, including Won, were transported to the hospital for smoke inhalation and other injuries, while 129 people received treatment at the scene. Additionally, one subway car was partially damaged, resulting in property damage estimated at approximately 330 million won.

Won, who was urgently arrested, reportedly told police that he set the fire out of dissatisfaction with the outcome of his divorce lawsuit and that he purchased the gasoline at a gas station two weeks prior to the incident.

The police are conducting forensic analysis of Won's mobile phone and reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to verify the accuracy of his statements. As Won was leaving the hearing that day, when asked by reporters, "You almost caused a major loss of life. Do you have anything to say?" he replied only, "I'm sorry." He remained silent in response to other questions, such as "Did you plan the arson in advance?" and "What specifically about the divorce lawsuit outcome were you dissatisfied with?"

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