According to legal sources on the 15th, the Seoul Northern District Court (Judge Kang Kyung-mook) sentenced a man in his 50s, identified as Mr. Kang, to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, for public intimidation. He was also ordered to undergo probation and 200 hours of community service.
The court explained the sentencing, stating, “The defendant admitted to the crime and is showing a reflective attitude, and has no criminal record for the past 25 years.” However, the court added, “This crime undermined public safety by causing anxiety and fear among many members of society.”
Mr. Kang is accused of leaving a comment on an SNS post regarding traffic control on March 19, two days before the “BTS The Comeback Live: Arirang” performance, stating he would “throw gasoline in water bottles.” It was also confirmed that he posted 22 additional aggressive comments targeting the general public, including claims that “the Gwanghwamun performance will become a sea of fire.”
Police arrested Mr. Kang within five hours following a report from a citizen. During the police investigation, Mr. Kang reportedly stated that he had no actual intention of carrying out the threats and that it was simply an action to attract attention.
