Man arrested for attempted arson at South Korea’s Labour Ministry office

A man in his 50s was taken into custody after allegedly attempting to set fire to the Ministry of Employment and Labour office in Sejong, South Korea, police said.

Authorities reported that the incident occurred today, September 25, at around 6:25 p.m. on the sixth floor of a government complex, located roughly 110 kilometres south of Seoul.

According to the Sejong Nambu Police Station, the suspect reportedly spread an inflammable substance inside the office before trying to ignite it. The situation was quickly contained by a security guard, preventing any fire from breaking out. No injuries were reported.

The suspect, whose name has not been released, is under investigation on suspicion of obstructing official duties. Police are continuing to investigate the motive behind the attempted arson.

Incidents targeting government offices have drawn increasing concern worldwide. Earlier this year, a man attempted to set fire to a regional government office in France, and a similar attack occurred at a local administrative building in Japan in 2024, highlighting a troubling trend of individuals attempting to attack public institutions. Authorities stress the importance of vigilance and robust security measures at official buildings.

By Tamilla Hasanova