A shocking and tragic incident rocked the South Korean capital in late May, as a 67-year-old man, furious over the verdict of his divorce case, took drastic and dangerous action as he Sets Fire To Moving Train. The incident, which occurred during peak morning commute hours, left over 20 people hospitalized, caused extensive property damage, and raised deep concerns about public safety in one of the world’s most heavily used urban transportation systems.
Authorities have since arrested and indicted the man, identified only by his surname Won, and he now faces multiple serious criminal charges. As more details of the case emerged, it became clear that this was a deliberate act driven by personal frustration and emotional turmoil. The incident has sparked national discourse around mental health, passenger security, and emergency response systems within South Korea’s public transport networks.
Man Sets Fire To Moving Train Full of Passengers
On May 31, 2025, at around 8:42 am, passengers aboard a train on Seoul Subway Line 5 found themselves in the middle of a horrifying ordeal. As the train traveled between Yeouinaru Station and Mapo Station—specifically while it was passing through an undersea tunnel beneath the Han River—a fire suddenly erupted in one of the subway cars. Panic ensued.
The man at the center of the incident, Won, was allegedly carrying a container filled with gasoline. According to reports, he poured the flammable liquid inside the train car and then set his clothes on fire to act as the ignition source. Within moments, flames and thick smoke began to fill the car, trapping passengers in the underground tunnel with no immediate escape.
First responders acted swiftly. Emergency services were alerted immediately, and upon arrival, they managed to contain the fire and assist the passengers. Still, the damage was significant. A total of 22 passengers had to be hospitalized for smoke inhalation, and 129 others required medical treatment on the scene. The suspect himself suffered injuries from the fire and was also hospitalized before being taken into custody.
서울지하철 5호선 방화범 CCTV
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The chaos on the train, however, could have led to an even more devastating outcome. That no one was killed is being attributed to the quick actions of train operators, emergency staff, and fellow passengers who helped each other escape. Still, the psychological impact and trauma inflicted on those present will likely linger for a long time.
The Man Behind the Fire: Who Is Won?
As the investigation unfolded, the motivations behind the shocking attack began to surface. The suspect, identified by his last name Won, is a 67-year-old South Korean man who, according to investigators, was in a state of emotional despair following the outcome of his divorce case. The Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office revealed that he committed the arson as a form of protest against the court’s ruling.
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This revelation added another layer of complexity to the already distressing event. Divorce, especially among the older population in South Korea, can be a deeply stigmatizing and emotionally draining experience. But turning that personal pain into an act of public violence raises important questions about how society addresses mental health, aging, and emotional distress.
Prosecutors have charged Won with several serious crimes, including attempted murder, arson on a moving train, and violations of the Railway Safety Act. The charges reflect the grave risk he posed not just to himself, but to the lives of nearly 150 passengers aboard that train. Officials have described the incident as one of the most alarming breaches of public safety in recent years.
According to local media such as The Chosun Daily, the total property damage from the fire is estimated at 330 million won (approximately $240,000 USD), including damage to the subway car and other infrastructure. In addition to financial costs, the event has triggered a deeper examination of how personal grievances can escalate into public threats.
Fallout, Response, and Public Concern
In the aftermath of the incident, public concern over subway safety surged across South Korea. Seoul’s subway system, known for its punctuality and efficiency, serves millions of passengers every day. The idea that someone could bring gasoline onboard and ignite it without being detected raised questions about surveillance, screening, and emergency protocols.
City officials and the Seoul Metro authority have since reviewed their security procedures. Measures such as increased surveillance, random baggage checks, and greater visibility of security personnel have been proposed. There’s also talk about installing more fire suppression systems and emergency communication tools inside subway cars to better handle crises.
The government has also pledged to improve coordination between law enforcement, subway operators, and emergency services in the event of any future threats. A report by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport emphasized the importance of “prevention through vigilance” and outlined steps to integrate AI-based monitoring systems to detect unusual behavior.
Meanwhile, discussions have begun about the importance of accessible mental health services, particularly for elderly citizens who may feel isolated or hopeless after major life changes. Experts have pointed out that while divorce may have been the trigger in this case, the root cause could be untreated psychological issues. There is growing consensus that community support structures, mental health outreach, and better communication could help prevent similar tragedies.
Moreover, the event has reignited debate about societal expectations of masculinity and emotional control in Korean culture. Older men especially are often conditioned to suppress vulnerability, which can lead to emotional repression and, in rare but extreme cases, violent expressions of despair. Many are now calling for a broader cultural shift that prioritizes emotional well-being and destigmatizes seeking help.
The court proceedings for Won are ongoing, but his indictment signals a strong response from South Korean legal authorities. Prosecutors are expected to push for a severe sentence, given the scale and seriousness of the crime.
The subway arson attack carried out by a 67-year-old man in Seoul has sent shockwaves through South Korea. What began as a personal crisis turned into a terrifying public spectacle, endangering the lives of innocent commuters and rattling public confidence in the safety of mass transit systems.
As the trial moves forward, many are watching closely—not only for justice in this particular case but for the broader reforms and discussions it may spark. From subway security protocols to mental health awareness, the issues exposed by this event are as critical as they are complex.
The hope is that from this tragic incident, meaningful change can emerge. Public spaces must remain safe, and individuals in distress must be reached before their pain turns into danger for others. This incident serves as a painful reminder that unchecked personal despair, when combined with opportunity and intent, can have devastating consequences—and that prevention is not only about security systems, but also about compassion, care, and connection.