Prosecutors Indict 70-Year-Old for 'Ilmin Museum of Art Stabbing,' Add Intimidation Charge Following Supplementary Investigation

A man in his 70s who caused a disturbance with a weapon at the Ilmin Museum of Art in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, has been indicted while in custody.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Lee Sang-hoon) indicted the man, identified as A, on charges of attempted murder, preparation for arson of an inhabited building, and intimidation yesterday (July 20).
A is accused of entering the Ilmin Museum of Art with a container of gasoline around 7:50 a.m. on June 26 and attacking a man in his 40s, identified as B, with a sickle due to a long-standing personal conflict.
Investigations revealed that A had prepared the gasoline in advance with the intention of setting himself on fire after harming the victim.
While A had previously claimed he had no intention of setting fire to the building, the prosecution explained that through a supplementary investigation, they clarified that A had the intent to commit murder and the purpose of committing arson on the building.
After securing personnel records from A's company and verifying statements from relevant individuals, the prosecution determined that A had been harboring grievances against B and the museum over disciplinary and personnel issues.
Furthermore, the prosecution added the charge of intimidation after confirming that A had threatened B two days before the attempted murder and had implied further harm by telling a colleague, "I will not let this go," while fleeing immediately after swinging the sickle.
The prosecution stated that, in accordance with the amended Act on the Punishment of Specific Violent Crimes, they have appointed a public defender for the victim and requested support for medical expenses, adding, "We will continue to do our utmost to prove the charges through thorough supplementary investigations and will do our best to protect the victim."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.