SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - The Seoul Southern District Court on Tuesday sentenced a 67-year-old man to 12 years in prison for attempting to murder passengers by setting fire to a Seoul subway train earlier this year.
Prosecutors had sought a 20-year sentence for the man, identified only by his surname Won, who was charged with attempted murder, arson, and violating railway safety laws.
"The defendant poured gasoline and set fire to a train carrying hundreds of passengers out of dissatisfaction with his divorce proceedings, causing injuries and widespread panic," the court said in its ruling.
The ruling came months after Won set fire to a train between Yeouinaru and Mapo stations in May, aiming to kill about 160 passengers, including himself. The fire left six people injured and hospitalized 23 others for smoke inhalation.
Won reportedly planned the arson to draw public attention, preparing by purchasing gasoline and selling off his assets.
* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.
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