Man in His 40s Attempts Self-Immolation Near Blue House: "Poured Gasoline, Held Lighter"

Police Intervened Before Fire Could Be Set

A man who attempted self-immolation near the Chunchugwan Press Center at the Blue House was apprehended by police.

The Jongno Police Station in Seoul announced on January 26 that a man in his 40s, identified as Mr. A, was arrested at the scene on charges of attempted arson.

According to police, at around 3:20 p.m. that day, Mr. A got out of his vehicle near the Chunchugwan Press Center at the Blue House in Jongno-gu, Seoul, poured gasoline on himself and the surrounding area, and attempted to ignite it with a lighter he was carrying.

Police officers at the scene immediately subdued him, preventing any actual fire from breaking out, and no casualties occurred.

Given that the incident took place near the Blue House, police have classified it as a major case and are investigating Mr. A’s motive, purpose, and whether there was any premeditation involved.