Yi Whan-woo is a Korea Times journalist primarily covering finance. He writes in-depth articles on macroeconomy and financial markets and previously covered sports, politics, diplomacy and inter-Korean affairs, among others. Feel free to contact him at yistory@koreatimes.co.kr.
Man sets fire on gov't building, kills himself
By Yi Whan-woo
A 61-year-old man leapt to his death Sunday after setting fire to an office at a government complex in downtown Seoul, according to police.
Investigators said the arson suspect appeared to be a maintenance worker at the complex.
Firefighters rushed to the building and put out the fire six minutes after it broke out at 1:32 p.m. The man, identified as Kim, was taken to hospital after he jumped out a Ministry of Education, Science and Technology office on the 18th floor.
Kim was pronounced dead upon arriving at the hospital, police said.
The man allegedly set fire to desks, chairs and documents in the office, investigators quoted a witness as stating.
“A total stranger entered the office and jumped out of the building after burning furniture,” a ministry official at the scene, told police.
Police and firefighters are trying to find the reason behind the man’s actions. Crime Scene Investigation officers entered the building after the fire was under control to collect evidence.
Police said Kim had an entry pass for the ministry when they found him.