A deadly arson fire broke out in Bongcheon-dong, Gwanak District, Seoul, on April 21, killing an arsonist in his 60s and injuring several others. Authorities confirmed that there had been a conflict between the arsonist and one of the victims, which began during last year’s Chuseok holiday.
Police say the 61-year-old arsonist had lived on the third floor of the building until late last year and had been arguing with his upstairs neighbor over noise. During the Chuseok holiday in September, he confronted the neighbor, who was having a family gathering. The argument escalated into a physical confrontation involving the neighbor’s son. Although the police were called, neither side wanted to press charges.
Investigators are now looking into whether the fire was an act of revenge tied to that earlier conflict.
Around 8:17 a.m., the arsonist used a pesticide sprayer to start the fire and was found dead at the scene. Six people were injured, including the upstairs neighbor, who sustained serious injuries after jumping from the first floor to escape the flames.
