60s Man Arrested for Setting Motel on Fire Causing 2 Deaths Over Denied Alcohol

A man in his 60s, identified as Jo, who set fire to a motel building causing 11 casualties, has been arrested. On the 27th, the Seoul Western District Court issued an arrest warrant for Jo, citing "risk of flight."

Jo, who had been staying long-term at a three-story motel in Gongdeok-dong, Seoul, is accused of starting a fire by lighting paper with a lighter in his room after an argument with the motel owner at around 2:39 a.m. on the 25th.

The fire resulted in the deaths of 2 out of 14 people, including the owner and guests inside the motel, and 9 others were transported to the hospital. It is reported that Jo, after arguing with the motel owner while asking for alcohol, became angry and set the fire.