Arsonist Who Turned Gangneung and Donghae into a Sea of Flames Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison

Over 4,000 hectares of forest and more than 180 houses destroyed... Damage exceeds 120 billion won

A man in his 60s who was charged with causing wildfires in Okgyemyeon, Gangneung City, and the Donghae area of Gangwon last March was sentenced to imprisonment in the first trial.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Wooseok] A man in his 60s who was prosecuted for causing a wildfire in Okgyemyeon, Gangneung City, and the Donghae City area of Gangwon Province last March was sentenced to prison in the first trial.

The Criminal Division of the Chuncheon District Court Gangneung Branch (Chief Judge Lee Donghee) sentenced Mr. A (60), who was detained and indicted on charges including violation of the Forest Protection Act, to 12 years in prison on the 9th.

Mr. A was detained and indicted on charges of using a gas torch to set fire to his home in Namyang-ri, Okgyemyeon, Gangneung, and nearby forests on March 5, causing a large-scale wildfire.

The fire caused by Mr. A turned over 4,000 hectares of forest in the Okgye and Donghae areas of Gangneung into ashes, and about 200 buildings were also damaged.

As a result, more than 100 people became disaster victims.

The court stated, "(The defendant) planned the crime by preparing the tools in advance and choosing a day when the fire could spread easily," and pointed out, "Due to the defendant's crime, 4,190 hectares of forest and about 180 houses in Okgyemyeon, Gangneung, and Donghae City were destroyed, and the confirmed damage amount reaches 129.3 billion won." It added, "The victims of the wildfire suffered significant property damage, and the damage has not been restored," and explained the sentencing reason, "It is expected that the damage will not be restored in the future, so it is necessary to hold the defendant accountable accordingly."