[Anchor]

The arrest warrant review for a man in his 70s, identified as Mr. A, who allegedly set consecutive fires at two buildings in the middle of Gangnam, Seoul, will be held this afternoon (October 22). As authorities also consider applying attempted murder charges, the decision on whether to detain Mr. A is expected to be reached as early as today.

Reporter Kim Minjun has the details.

[Reporter]

[(When did you start preparing for the crime?) About three days ago. (Do you have anything to say to the victims?) Tell them not to commit fraud anymore.]

Mr. A reportedly largely admitted to the charges during police questioning on the day of the crime, stating that he set the fires to intimidate patent corporations he believed had deceived him and to make the matter known to the world.

The arrest warrant review for Mr. A, a man in his 70s charged with injuring 19 people by setting fires at two buildings in Yeoksam-dong, Seoul, will take place at 3:00 PM today at the Seoul Central District Court.

Police applied for an arrest warrant last night, considering that Mr. A had not been released from prison long ago, and given his travel route after the crime and unstable housing situation, there is a risk of flight.

According to the police investigation, it was found that Mr. A terminated his mobile phone service five days before the crime, purchased flammable materials and plastic containers four days before the crime, and bought gasoline at a gas station the day before the crime.

During the second suspect interrogation yesterday, Mr. A reportedly exercised his right to remain silent, while in the first interrogation he reportedly admitted to the act of arson for the most part but denied any intent to kill.

Police are attempting to secure medical records to check whether Mr. A has a history of mental illness. At the same time, based on witness statements that he went looking for a specific employee before setting the fires, authorities are also reviewing the application of attempted murder charges targeting a specific individual.

(Video Editing: Yoon Tae-ho)