In brief
On November 3 the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency posted the identity and mug shots of 77‑year‑old Lee Myung‑soo, who is charged with arson and attempted murder after setting fires at two patent law‑firm buildings on October 20. The fires caused 26 injuries and investigators say Lee deliberately targeted the offices, knowing people were inside. Lee has claimed the fires were a scare tactic, not an attempt to kill.
Police on November 3 released the name and mug shots of Lee Myung‑soo, a 77‑year‑old suspect in the arson attacks on two patent‑law‑firm buildings in Gangnam, Seoul. The fires on October 20 left 26 people injured and prompted authorities to charge Lee with arson and attempted murder.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency posted the photos on its website after a review committee decided the evidence warranted a public disclosure. Lee was taken into custody shortly after the fires and has been referred to the prosecution.
Investigators say Lee intentionally set the fires and was likely aware that people were inside the offices. The suspect has claimed he was scammed by the patent firms and only wanted to scare people, not hurt them.
South Korea releases the identities and mug shots of people suspected of serious crimes when there is substantial evidence that they committed the offense. The public release of Lee’s information follows that policy.
