Prosecution Forms Dedicated Investigation Team for Line 5 Arsonist: "Serious Crime"

The prosecution has established a dedicated investigation team to respond to the arson incident on Seoul Subway Line 5.

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 9, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office announced that it had formed an investigation team led by Chief Prosecutor Son Sanghee of the Criminal Division 3. The team consists of four prosecutors specializing in violent crimes and arson, as well as eight investigators.

Won Mo, age 67, poured gasoline inside a train running through the tunnel section between Yeouinaru Station and Mapo Station at 8:43 a.m. on May 31, then set fire to clothing. As a result, 23 people were transported due to smoke inhalation and other injuries, and one subway car was partially burned, causing property damage estimated at approximately 330 million won.

The Yeongdeungpo Police Station in Seoul arrested Won at the scene on the day of the incident and detained him on June 2. On the same day, he was referred to the prosecution on charges of arson causing injury to an existing train.

A prosecution official stated, "This case is a serious crime that threatened public safety, and we will work with relevant agencies to uncover the substantive truth, including the motive for the crime." The official added, "We will also make every effort to protect the victims, who have suffered great shock, by providing prompt support through the Prosecutors' Office Crime Victim Support Center and other means to help them return to their daily lives."

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