Seoul Subway Line 5 Arsonist Sentenced to 12 Years in First Trial

A man in his 60s who set a fire on Seoul Subway Line 5 has been sentenced to 12 years in prison in the first trial.

On October 14, the 15th Criminal Division of the Seoul Southern District Court (Presiding Judge Yang Hwansung) sentenced Won (67), who was indicted on charges including attempted murder, to 12 years in prison and ordered three years of probation. However, the court dismissed the prosecution's request for an electronic monitoring device order, instead imposing compliance requirements such as prohibiting the possession or storage of flammable materials at home.

The court explained the sentencing by stating, "The defendant committed the crime while the train was passing through a tunnel after leaving the platform, making it very difficult for passengers to escape, which makes the nature of the crime extremely serious and highly blameworthy. The incident significantly undermined public trust in the safety of public transportation, and the anxiety persisted for some time." The court added, "However, the fact that the defendant did not have a definite intent to kill was considered a favorable factor in sentencing."

Won was charged with attempting to kill 160 passengers, including himself, by pouring gasoline on the floor and setting it on fire inside a train running between Yeouinaru Station and Mapo Station on Seoul Subway Line 5 at around 8:42 a.m. on May 31. The attempt failed, but six people were injured.

Investigations revealed that Won was dissatisfied with the outcome of his divorce lawsuit, which was unfavorable to him, and contemplated suicide. He decided to commit the crime on the subway, a form of public transportation, believing it would attract social attention.

At the sentencing hearing held on September 16, the prosecution had requested 20 years in prison, 10 years of electronic monitoring, and three years of probation for Won.