A man in his 60s was arrested on the morning of May 31 after setting fire to a packed subway train on Seoul’s Line 5.
The train, which was carrying about 400 passengers, was moving between Yeouinaru and Mapo Stations when the incident occurred.
The suspect, identified only as Mr. A, was found collapsed inside the tunnel under the Han River after the fire broke out. Firefighters pulled him out, and police arrested him shortly after noticing his hands were covered in soot—unlike other evacuees. He admitted to starting the fire and was taken into custody on the spot around 9:45 AM.
Police recovered items believed to be used in the attack: a torch-style lighter and a glass container holding fuel. Investigators are examining these objects as part of the ongoing inquiry. Mr. A reportedly remained blank-faced during the act. One witness recalled him asking for tissue paper, likely to help ignite the fire, but otherwise said nothing.
Authorities say 21 people suffered minor injuries, mostly from smoke inhalation or scrapes, and were taken to nearby hospitals. Another 130 people received on-site treatment. Subway service on Line 5’s southbound route was shut down for around an hour and a half between Yeouido and Aeogae Stations.
Police say they are working to determine why the suspect started the fire and whether he has a history of similar behavior. So far, no ties to any group or wider motive have been confirmed.
As the investigation continues, Seoul Metro and emergency services are reviewing safety protocols to better handle similar emergencies in the future.