Two elementary siblings die in Seoul villa fire; investigation underway

A devastating fire claimed the lives of two elementary school siblings in Seoul's Eunpyeong-gu district late Tuesday night, leaving their family in profound grief. The tragedy occurred in a villa while their father, the guardian at the time, had stepped out briefly.

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They were such good children who always told me I was the prettiest in the world. My older son's birthday is in two weeks. We promised to eat something delicious together. How could this happen?

"They were such good children who always told me I was the prettiest in the world," the children's mother, Lee Ji-hye, 32, said through tears at the funeral hall. "My older son's birthday is in two weeks. We promised to eat something delicious together. How could this happen?"

The siblings, identified as first and second graders, were unable to escape the blaze that erupted on the third floor of the building around 10:57 p.m. The mother, who learned of the fire via phone, recounted her initial disbelief, hoping her children had escaped. She described her younger daughter, who often called herself a "fire girl" due to frequent fevers, as feeling cold to the touch after the incident, a stark contrast to her vibrant personality.

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The younger daughter, who often called herself a 'fire girl' due to frequent fevers, felt cold to the touch after the incident, a stark contrast to her vibrant personality.

The maternal grandfather also shared his sorrow, recalling cherished moments with his grandchildren. He remembered his eldest grandson's intense focus on puzzles and his youngest granddaughter's playful spirit. The mother remembered her son as a playful child at home who was protective of his sister, and her daughter as a funny, mischievous child. "The children were so mature they even comforted me," she said, regretting postponed promises of international travel due to financial struggles.

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The children were so mature they even comforted me. The daughter, who had health issues, always followed instructions regarding diet and exercise without complaint. I regret postponing our promise of international travel.

Firefighters and police have launched a joint investigation into the exact cause of the fire. A police official stated that while "electrical factors are being considered as the primary cause," the investigation is ongoing pending detailed forensic results. The fire department is examining the possibility of an electrical short circuit.

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The older grandson loved puzzles and wouldn't move until he finished them. He'd say, 'Grandpa, I'll do it myself!' I miss that so much.