Prosecutors Indict Man in His Seventies for Attempted Murder in 'Ilmin Museum Weapon Rampage' Incident

Conflict Over Personnel Issues With the Victim
Prosecutors Add Charge of Making Threats and Request Support for the Victim

A sanitation worker in his seventies has been brought to trial after entering the Ilmin Museum of Art in Jongno-gu, Seoul, carrying a can of gasoline and wielding a weapon at an employee.

On the 9th, the special investigation headquarters for emergency prosecution reportedly summoned and is currently investigating former Special Warfare Command Commander Joongeun Kwak, while the Taegukgi and prosecution flags are fluttering in the wind in front of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office building. Photo by Younghan Heo

The Criminal Division 4 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (headed by Prosecutor Lee Sang-hoon) announced on the 21st that "Mr. A, a man in his seventies, was indicted and detained the previous day on charges of attempted murder, preparation for arson of an inhabited building, and threats."

Mr. A is accused of attempting to kill Mr. B, a man in his forties who works in the management team at the Ilmin Museum of Art and with whom he reportedly had a poor relationship, by attacking him with a weapon at around 7:47 a.m. on the 26th of last month. Mr. A is also charged with having prepared gasoline in advance with the intent to set himself on fire in the museum.

After assuming the case from the police, the prosecution secured company personnel records and interviewed those involved, conducting supplementary investigations. Through this process, they confirmed that Mr. A harbored resentment against Mr. B and the museum due to disciplinary actions and personnel issues.

It was also found that Mr. A threatened Mr. B two days before the incident. Immediately after the crime, Mr. A left the scene and made remarks to a colleague implying the possibility of further violence.

Based on these circumstances, the prosecution applied an additional charge of making threats against Mr. A and concluded that he intended both to kill Mr. B and to set fire to the museum.

Pursuant to the revised Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Violent Crimes, the prosecution designated a state-appointed attorney for the victim and requested financial support for medical treatment and other expenses. A prosecution official stated, "We will do our utmost to prove the charges through thorough supplementary investigations and do everything possible to protect the victim."

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