Police on Tuesday released the identity and mug shots of Lee Myung‑soo, a 77‑year‑old suspect accused of setting fires at two patent firms in Seoul’s Gangnam district, according to Yonhap News. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency posted the photos on its website following a review committee’s decision.
Lee was taken into custody shortly after the fires struck on Oct. 20 and was referred to prosecutors last week on charges of arson and attempted murder, Yonhap reports. The agencies say the arsons were deliberate, with investigators believing the suspect knowingly targeted the offices knowing people were inside.
The incidents left 26 people injured, the police said. They pressured the public for information and released images only when they had substantial evidence linking the suspect to the crime, Yonhap added.
In an unverified claim, Lee has said he was scammed by the patent firms and that he only wanted to scare people, not harm them, Yonhap noted. Investigators have not confirmed this explanation.
The police statement was corroborated by several Korean media outlets, including Asia Economic and Herald Business, which also named Lee as the suspect. All sources agree that the suspect remains in custody and that the case is under legal review.
