Arsonist Who Burned 47 Stores at Incheon Hyundai Market Arrested and Indicted

Earlier this month, an arsonist who set fire to Incheon Hyundai Market, burning down 47 stores, was brought to trial.

The Criminal Division 2 of the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Wi Suhyeon) announced on the 30th that Mr. A (48) was arrested and indicted on charges including general arson of buildings.

Mr. A is accused of setting fire to a total of five locations, including a dish shop and a small cargo truck, in the Hyundai Market area of Dong-gu, Incheon, from 11:38 PM for about 10 minutes on the 4th.

He was investigated to have committed arson using a disposable lighter and plastic while intoxicated.

Although there were no casualties from the fire, 47 out of the 205 stores in Hyundai Market were reduced to ashes.

After being apprehended, Mr. A initially claimed during the investigation, "I don't remember anything because I was very drunk," but under continued police questioning, he admitted to the charges, saying, "I did it."

However, regarding the motive for the arson, he insisted, "I don't know why I set the fire because I was drunk."

From 2006 to 2018, Mr. A committed arson 24 times, was indicted four times, and was sentenced to prison each time, serving a total of 10 years.

A prosecution official stated, "The suspect has been punished multiple times in the past for arson crimes but committed this incident again," adding, "We will thoroughly prepare for the trial to ensure that a sentence fitting the crime is handed down."

Arsonist at Incheon Hyundai Market
Photo by Yonhap News