Seoul Forest Arson Incident, Quick Arrest of Russian Tourists

Two Russian tourists have shocked the public by setting fire at Seoul Forest Park, located in Seongdong-gu, Seoul.

On the 13th, the Seongdong Police Station reported that they had arrested two Russian tourists on suspicion of arson for igniting a fire along the walking path in Seoul Forest Park.

According to police investigations, the suspects have been identified as a woman in her 20s, referred to as A, and a man in his 30s, referred to as B.

They are suspected of having entered South Korea on a tourist visa and using a lighter to start a fire on the park's walking path around 4 PM on the 11th, after which they fled the scene.

The arson incident led to damage affecting approximately 500 square meters (151 pyeong) of the walking path. The seriousness of this event is heightened by the fact that Seoul Forest serves as a green public space where many citizens come to relax.

The police rapidly apprehended the suspects within 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Upon receiving the report, the police swiftly dispatched to the scene and analyzed surrounding closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage.

Through this analysis, they successfully identified the suspects, and around 5:30 PM, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes after the incident occurred, both suspects were arrested.

The police plan to apply for a warrant to detain female suspect A, and they intend to conduct an in-depth investigation into the exact motives and circumstances of the crime concerning both suspects.

This incident raises discussions about tourist safety and the protection of public facilities, particularly given that it involves arson by foreign tourists.

A police official stated, "We are currently investigating to ascertain the exact motives behind the crime," and emphasized that "arson in public places is a serious offense, and we will respond strictly."

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