Man in his 70s detained over knife attack at Ilmin Museum of Art in Seoul

By Yang Geun-hyuk, The Herald Business

A man in his 70s who went on a knife rampage at Ilmin Museum of Art, located inside the Dong-A Ilbo building near Gwanghwamun in Seoul, was detained Sunday.

The Seoul Central District Court held a warrant review hearing beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday for the suspect, identified only as A, on charges of attempted murder and preparation for arson. The court issued the arrest warrant, citing concerns over destruction of evidence and flight risk.

A is accused of stabbing an acquaintance in his 40s, identified as B, with a sickle at the museum at around 7:47 a.m. on June 26 before fleeing the scene. Before the incident, A had worked in cleaning-related duties around the building, while B had recently submitted a resignation letter after working at the same building, according to officials.

Police arrested A on an emergency basis about 10 hours after the attack. They also applied arson preparation charges after confirming he had made preparations to set a fire before wielding the weapon.

A appeared in court at around 1:06 p.m. Sunday with a bandage on his right leg, declining to answer reporters' questions including "How are you feeling right now?" and "Do you have anything to say to the victim?"