Elderly suspect confesses to arson at Seoul patent offices to expose alleged fraud

Investigators reported that a 77-year-old man largely admitted to igniting fires at two patent-related office buildings in Seoul's Yeoksam-dong district, claiming he wanted to frighten the firms and publicize his allegation of fraud. He said the firms issued false patent registration certificates that cheated him. The blazes started seven minutes apart on a Tuesday, affecting the Shinmyeong Building and the nearby Hanyang Building about 200 meters apart.

Several people were injured, and a patent attorney suffered cardiac arrest before regaining a pulse at a hospital. Police intend to request an arrest warrant for arson causing injury and are examining fire alarm and sprinkler functionality, while noting similarities in the fire-starting methods at both sites.