"Arson at Daegu Law Office Reveals 'Retaliatory Crime'... Lawyers Engulfed in Shock"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The legal community is in shock following a fire incident at a lawyer's office in Beomeo-dong, Suseong-gu, Daegu. The case has been revealed as a retaliatory crime targeting the opposing lawyer who defeated the perpetrator in court, causing frontline lawyers to feel even fear.

Lawyer organizations have demanded institutional improvements to secure safety nets for lawyers. Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon described the incident as an "anti-civilized terror that undermines legal order," promising government-level support and policy measures.

According to the legal community on the 12th, they are closely monitoring the police investigation into the fire incident that occurred on the 9th at a lawyer's office in Beomeo-dong, Suseong-gu, Daegu. The National Forensic Service's initial opinion suggested that the seven deceased likely died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Among the deceased, two men?a lawyer and an office manager?were found with stab wounds, but it was also suggested that these were not the direct cause of death.

The police believe the incident was caused by a man in his 50s, Mr. Cheon, who poured gasoline and set fire intentionally. On the morning of the 9th, around 10:55 a.m., he deliberately set fire to a lawyer's office located on the 2nd floor of a building with two underground and five above-ground floors near the courthouse. He had invested money in a construction project and lost it, becoming involved in a civil lawsuit. After losing the lawsuit, he set fire to the office of the lawyer who assisted the opposing party in the case.

Some lawyers have reportedly been deeply shocked by this incident. Since winning or losing in court is a routine part of their profession, this reaction is understandable. Many analyses suggest that issues previously kept quiet have surfaced due to this incident.

The Korean Association of Legal Professionals emphasized, "Lawyers have been exposed to various verbal abuses and threats, causing fear that these could escalate into actual harm. This incident has proven that such concerns were not unfounded." They added, "At the very least, society must reach a consensus that aggressive behavior by parties involved in cases toward lawyers is absolutely unacceptable."

The Seoul Bar Association stated, "Taking the precious lives of innocent victims in an instant simply because one lost a case is an utterly inhumane act, and the grief caused by this is beyond words." They further added, "Terror incidents against lawyers must never happen again."

The Korean Bar Association also expressed, "We cannot help but lament that a ruthless terror targeting an opposing lawyer who faithfully fulfilled their role and duties occurred in 21st-century advanced Republic of Korea. Such crimes are not merely personal attacks on lawyers but represent a serious challenge and barbaric act threatening the judicial system and the rule of law."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

As the details of the case emerge, the voices of lawyers are expected to grow louder. Minister Han visited the joint memorial altar on the afternoon of the 10th to pay respects and said, "As Minister of Justice, I will do my utmost to ensure the truth of the incident is clearly uncovered and that support for the victims is promptly provided."