Birthplace of Park's father torched in arson
The birthplace of President Park Geun-hye’s father is partially burned down on Thursday in a fire that police are investigating as a possible arson. / Yonhap
By Park Si-soo
A fire broke out at the birthplace of President Park Geun-hye’s father in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, Thursday.
The fire, reported at 3:15 p.m., was extinguished in 10 minutes, according to police and the fire department. Firefighters said the fire destroyed the memorial hall that displayed the late President's portrait.
Police have apprehended a suspected arsonist found in the area who is presumed to be responsible for setting alight a memorial of another president, Roh Tae-woo, in 2012.
Park’s father, Park Chung-hee, seized power in a 1961 military coup. He ruled with an iron fist until 1979 when his spy chief shot him dead.