25.09.28.Today News : Fireworks Festival in Seoul Ends Safely as Terror Suspect Arrested Before Event

Fireworks Festival in Seoul Ends Safely as Terror Suspect Arrested Before Event

📍30s office worker arrested over online gun threat…Festival draws 1 million visitors, but civic issues remain

A man in his 30s was arrested for posting an online threat to carry out a mass shooting ahead of the Seoul International Fireworks Festival. Thanks to swift police action, the event proceeded without incident, drawing one million spectators to Yeouido. However, concerns remain over civic responsibility, as littering and disorder were reported after the event.

A woman in her 30s who posted a threatening message on social media saying she would “open fire with a gun” ahead of the Seoul World Fireworks Festival was urgently arrested by police.

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■ Swift Arrest of Terror Suspect
On the morning of September 28, Gwangju Police arrested a man in his 30s for posting a threat to “open fire” on social media ahead of the fireworks festival. The suspect, identified as an office worker, attempted to hide his tracks by switching his account to private, but police cyber investigators quickly traced his IP and online activity. Within hours, he was located in the Seoul metropolitan area and apprehended through a pre-dawn operation.

During questioning, the suspect claimed he had acted “out of stress and impulse,” though authorities suspect he may be downplaying his intentions. Police have seized his phone and personal computer for forensic analysis and are probing whether he had access to illegal weapons or possible accomplices.

Officials emphasized that under Korean law, posting public threats constitutes a serious offense, carrying potential prison sentences of up to 10 years, regardless of whether the act is carried out.

■ Festival Draws Over 1 Million Visitors
Despite the incident, the Seoul International Fireworks Festival lit up the night sky with performances by teams from Italy, Canada, and Korea. An estimated one million spectators crowded Yeouido and nearby areas, celebrating the autumn night with dazzling fireworks displays.

■ Safety Measures and Civic Concerns
The event saw 3,448 police officers and 3,700 safety personnel deployed to ensure public order. No major accidents occurred, though minor medical cases were reported. However, post-event littering and illegal resale of prime viewing spots highlighted the need for improved civic awareness.

One-line summary : A man in his 30s was arrested for posting a shooting threat before the Seoul Fireworks Festival, which safely drew one million visitors despite concerns over civic behavior.