Seoul Subway Arsonist Indicted: Divorce Dispute Fuels Deadly Outburst
A 67-year-old man, Won, has been formally indicted for attempted murder and arson after setting fire to a moving subway train on Seoul Subway Line 5, endangering over 160 lives. The incident occurred on May 31, when Won poured gasoline on the floor and ignited it using a piece of clothing between Yeouinaru and Mapo stations during peak hours.
Prosecutors confirmed that Won was driven by rage and emotional turmoil stemming from dissatisfaction with his divorce settlement. The fire injured 6 passengers, including a pregnant woman who fell and escaped only seconds before the fire started. Over 150 others were treated for smoke inhalation or trauma.
Won remains in custody as prosecutors also charged him with violating the Railroad Safety Act. Damages are estimated at $242,400.
This shocking act of violence highlights the urgent need for robust mental health support systems, especially for men. With June marked globally as Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, the case underscores the dangerous consequences of bottling up emotional pain.
