Overview

• A fire broke out at 8:17 a.m. on April 21, 2025, at a 21-story apartment building in Bongcheon-dong, Gwanak District, southern Seoul.
• One person was killed, and eleven others were injured, including two who fell from the building and nine who suffered from smoke inhalation or breathing difficulties.
• Fire authorities issued a Level 1 response at 8:30 a.m., working to contain the blaze, which has since been extinguished.
• Police have classified the incident as suspected arson and are actively searching for a male suspect believed to have started the fire deliberately.
• The tragedy highlights ongoing concerns over high-rise fire safety in South Korea, following similar incidents in recent years.