70-year-old arrested for stabbing, attempted arson at Seoul art museum

Authorities have arrested a 70-year-old man in connection with a violent incident at the Ilmin Museum of Art in Seoul's Jongno district. The suspect, identified as Mr. K, faces charges including attempted murder and arson preparation.

The incident occurred on the morning of August 26th, when Mr. K allegedly attacked an acquaintance with a knife on the museum's fourth floor. During the arrest, investigators discovered substances believed to be gasoline among his belongings, indicating a potential plan to set the building ablaze.

Mr. K fled the scene in a taxi but was apprehended approximately 10 hours later at a relative's home in Gwanak-gu, Seoul. The victim, a former colleague of the suspect, sustained injuries but is reportedly not in life-threatening condition.

Judicial authorities cited evidence tampering and the risk of flight as reasons for issuing the arrest warrant. Police are currently investigating the specific motive behind the attack and the sequence of events leading up to it. The Ilmin Museum of Art is located in a prominent area of Seoul, near Gwanghwamun intersection.

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There is a risk of evidence tampering and flight.