'Daegu Lawyer Building Fire' 7 Dead, 49 Seriously and Moderately Injured (Comprehensive)

Police Suspect Arson at Opposing Lawyer's Office Over 'Court Loss' Dispute
Arson Suspect Lost Lawsuit Over Investment Refund in Mixed-Use Apartment Construction Project

Police suspect arson at opposing lawyer's office due to dissatisfaction with trial loss
Arson suspect lost lawsuit over return of investment funds in mixed-use apartment complex construction project

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Kyung-jun] The fire that broke out on the 9th at a lawyer's office building in Daegu was completely extinguished within about 20 minutes, but it resulted in significant damage, with 7 people dead and 49 seriously injured.

According to the Daegu Fire Headquarters, the fire occurred at 10:55 a.m. in Room 203 on the 2nd floor of the W Building in Beomeo-dong, Suseong-gu. Upon the outbreak, 50 vehicles and over 160 firefighters and rescue personnel were dispatched, and the extinguishing operation was completed at 11:17 a.m., just 22 minutes later.

However, 7 people died in Room 203, and about 40 others, including staff from other lawyer offices in the same building and clients, inhaled smoke. Among the deceased was also the arson suspect.

The police revealed through closed-circuit television (CCTV) analysis that the arson suspect carried something out from his home. The police believe it is highly likely that a party involved in the lawsuit, dissatisfied with the trial outcome, sprayed a strong flammable substance on his body and set the fire.

The building where the fire occurred, like other offices in the Beomeo-dong Legal Town, had a sealed structure, and except for the basement, sprinklers were not installed on the above-ground floors, which is presumed to have contributed to the extensive damage.

All the deceased came from the office on the 2nd floor where the fire started. Among the 6 victims excluding the arson suspect, one was a lawyer in that office, and the rest were confirmed to be staff members. They were all transferred to Kyungpook National University Hospital for care.

The police are investigating this fire as a case of arson causing death in an occupied building. The arson suspect, Mr. A (53), is believed to have entered the opposing lawyer's office carrying flammable materials and set the fire out of dissatisfaction with losing the trial. CCTV footage confirmed that flames appeared just 23 seconds after Mr. A entered the lawyer's office.

It is known that Mr. A had filed a lawsuit demanding the return of investment funds after losing a case related to an investment in the construction project of a residential-commercial complex apartment in Daegu.