Seoul Metro to Provide Initial Compensation Through Liability Insurance
Company to Seek Indemnity from Arsonist After Payouts
Scope of Compensation to Be Determined After Loss Adjustment
Seoul Metro announced that it will provide compensation through insurance to passengers who suffered damages in the arson incident on Seoul Subway Line 5 in May.
Scene during the Banghwa incident on Seoul Subway Line 5. Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office, Photo by Yonhap News
According to Seoul Metro on July 31, the company plans to provide compensation through commercial general liability insurance only for cases where damage has been reported. After initially compensating through this insurance, Seoul Metro intends to claim indemnity from the arsonist.
The company explained, "Loss adjustment is currently underway, and the scope of compensation will be determined based on the results."
The arsonist, Mr. Won, has been indicted and is standing trial on charges including attempted murder for committing a lethal act equivalent to terrorism.
Mr. Won is accused of pouring gasoline on the floor and setting it on fire inside a train running through the tunnel section between Yeouinaru Station and Mapo Station at approximately 8:42 a.m. on May 31.
As a result of the fire, 23 people, including Mr. Won, sustained minor injuries such as smoke inhalation, and 129 people received emergency treatment at the scene. Additionally, one train car was partially destroyed, resulting in property damage exceeding 300 million won.
Mr. Won was brought to trial in detention on charges of attempted murder, arson resulting in injury to an existing train, and violation of the Railroad Safety Act.
Following the police investigation, the prosecution formed a dedicated investigation team and additionally charged Mr. Won with attempted murder. The prosecution determined that Mr. Won attempted to kill 160 passengers but failed, and that he injured 6 passengers.
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