Father Given Suspended Sentence for Threatening to Bomb Saemaeul Geumgo in Rage over Daughter's Sexual Assault

Suspected Threat of Butane Gas Explosion at ATM Corner

A man in his 50s who threatened to blow up butane gas at a bank in anger after his daughter, who works at Saemaeul Geumgo, was sexually harassed by a superior, was sentenced to a suspended prison term in the first trial.

Seoul Northern District Court [Photo by Yonhap News]

On the 22nd, Yonhap News reported that Judge Song Hye-young of the Criminal Division 6 at the Seoul Northern District Court sentenced A (57) to 8 months in prison with a 2-year suspension and ordered 80 hours of community service on charges of attempted arson of a dwelling.

A is accused of placing about 30 butane gas canisters near an ATM machine at a Saemaeul Geumgo branch in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, around 6 p.m. on February 17, then calling the police and threatening, "I will kill everyone." Police who immediately arrived at the scene arrested A, who was holding a lighter. Since it was the weekend, there were no employees or customers inside at the time, so there were no casualties. However, some of the butane gas canisters had holes punctured in them, causing gas leakage and prompting ventilation measures in the building.

It was investigated that A committed the crime out of anger after hearing that his daughter, who works at Saemaeul Geumgo, was sexually harassed by the chairman.

The court stated, "The defendant prepared butane gas and other items on the first floor of a building where many people reside, near the ATM, and punctured holes in the canisters in an attempt to set fire to the building," adding, "The crime is extremely dangerous and requires strict punishment." However, the court also considered that "the defendant admitted all charges and showed remorse, the act was only attempted, he surrendered immediately after the crime, and Saemaeul Geumgo submitted a letter stating they do not wish to punish the defendant," explaining the reasons for the sentencing.

Meanwhile, the chairman accused of sexual harassment was sent to prosecution in March on charges of forcible molestation. It is known that the chairman called an employee to a bar for a private meeting and made unwanted physical contact.