WATCH: Moment Seoul man sets train on fire, 22 hospitalised after anger over divorce leads to arson | World News
A 67-year-old man, identified the surname Won, has been formally indicted for setting a fire inside a moving subway train in Seoul on May 31, according to Yonhap News Agency. The Seoul Southern Drict Prosecutors’ Office charged him with attempted murder, arson on a moving train, and violations of the Railway Safety Act.
The incident occurred around 8:42 am on Line 5, as the train passed through the undersea tunnel between Yeouinaru and Mapo Stations beneath the Han River. Authorities allege that Won poured gasoline inside the subway car and set his clothes on fire to ignite the blaze. The Seoul Southern Drict Prosecutors’ Office has released footage of the arson attack.
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서울지하철 5호선 방화범 CCTV사망자 없는게 기적이네요 pic.twitter.com/IQMowGZkWH
— 브이몬 (@XXV_mon) June 25, 2025
The fire led to 22 passengers being hospitalised for smoke inhalation, with 129 others treated at the scene. The blaze caused an estimated 330 million won (~$240,000) in property damage, including the destruction of a subway car.
No deaths were reported.
Police say Won acted out of anger over a divorce ruling. He was arrested and transferred to the prosecution on June 9. Authorities continue to investigate the incident to prevent similar acts in the future.
