Palace fire suspect left Korea

Apr 10, 2026, 10:12 am

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Partially damaged Sambimun Gate at Gyeongbokgung Palace following a fire on March 28. / Yonhap News

Police are investigating a fire at Gyeongbokgung Palace last month as a possible case of human-caused ignition, with the key suspect having already left the country.

According to the Seoul Jongno Police Station on April 9, authorities are focusing on a man identified as “A,” who was seen near Sambimun Gate, close to the site of the fire, shortly before the incident.

CCTV footage shows that smoke first appeared around 4 p.m. on March 27, the day before the fire. Intermittent smoke continued, and flames were confirmed at around 4:50 a.m. on March 28. However, the fire was not recognized by a night guard until 5:30 a.m.—more than 13 hours after the initial signs of smoke.

Investigators found that the suspect had remained for about one minute in a CCTV blind spot near the scene roughly 20 minutes before the smoke first appeared. Due to visual obstruction by trees, his exact actions were not captured.

The National Forensic Service said no accelerants were detected at the scene but noted that such substances could have been completely burned during the fire.

Police identified the suspect on March 30, but he had already left the country earlier that same day. Authorities have not disclosed his nationality or personal details.

Investigators are currently working to enhance the original CCTV footage and are considering requesting the suspect to appear for questioning as the probe continues.

#Gyeongbokgung fire #Sambimun Gate #Seoul police #suspected arson #CCTV investigation