{
  "id": 17883077,
  "title": "Police release identity of suspect in Seoul building arson",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/police-release-identity-of-suspect-in-seoul-building-arson-17883077",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T00:57:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/law-crime/20261103/police-release-identity-of-suspect-in-seoul-building-arson"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Tuesday, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced the identity of the suspect behind a series of arson attacks at two patent firms in southern Seoul. The perpetrator, identified as Lee Myung-soo, a 77-year-old man, has been linked to the incidents that occurred on October 20.\n\nLee's mugshots were posted on the police website following a review committee's decision. He was arrested shortly after the fires and subsequently referred to the prosecution last week, facing charges of arson and attempted murder.\n\nAccording to investigators, Lee had meticulously planned the arson attacks and was aware of the individuals working inside the offices. The suspect's motive has been speculated to be financial, with Lee claiming he acted out of desperation following a scam by the patent firms. However, his claims have not been substantiated.\n\nThe South Korean authorities release the identities and mugshots of those suspected in serious crimes when there's ample evidence pointing towards their guilt.",
  "summary": "Police on Tuesday released the identity and mug shots of a suspect accused of setting fires at two patent firms in southern Seoul last month and leaving 26 people injured. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency posted the photos of Lee Myung-soo, 77, on its website following a decision by a review committee. Lee is suspected of committing arson in two buildings in Seoul's southern ward of Gangnam…",
  "key_points": [
    "Suspect identified as 77-year-old Lee Myung-soo",
    "Arson attacks targeted two patent firms on October 20",
    "Charges include arson and attempted murder"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Publicly releasing the suspect's identity and mugshots signals that authorities have gathered sufficient evidence to move from investigation to formal prosecution for these premeditated attacks.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Premium Times",
        "title": "Police arrest man for pushing teenage girl off two-storey building",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/police-arrest-man-for-pushing-teenage-girl-off-two-storey-building",
        "published": "2026-11-02T20:05:45.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Times",
        "title": "Daska stampede: Police yet to arrest main suspect Mr Patlu",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/daska-stampede-police-yet-to-arrest-main-suspect-mr-patlu",
        "published": "2026-11-02T22:50:13.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yonhap News",
        "title": "Police release identity of suspect in Seoul building arson",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/police-release-identity-of-suspect-in-seoul-building-arson",
        "published": "2026-11-03T00:40:36.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}