Kangwon Land Gambler Loses $7,000, Sets His Hotel Room on Fire

Published on: July 5, 2024, 11:45 a.m.

Last updated on: July 5, 2024, 11:45 a.m.

South Korean police have arrested an unnamed Chinese national on suspicion of setting fire to his hotel room at Kangwon Land Casino in Gangwon Province.

Kangwon Land, Arson — An image taken from the 14th-floor room of Kangwon Land Casino after a disgruntled gambler poured kerosene on the bed and set it on fire. (Image: Yonhap News)

The suspect, who is in his 50s, told authorities he set the fire Thursday “in a fit of anger” because he had lost a lot of money at the casino. The man is believed to have lost the equivalent of about $7,200, according to local media.

The fire started around 2:30 a.m. on the 14th^th The fire was ravaged by flames, but there were no fatalities, and the hotel’s sprinklers were able to extinguish the blaze within 10 minutes. However, six people had to be taken to hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation.

The consequences could have been much worse, given the time of day the incident occurred, police said.

Guests evacuated

According to firefighters, the interior of the room was completely destroyed by the flames, causing damage estimated at 3 million won ($2,100). Many guests had to be evacuated from their hotel rooms until the next morning.

The suspect was apprehended about five hours after starting the fire “in a nearby building,” police said. Investigators were able to trace his movements through security cameras that first captured him running out of the room.

Police also have footage of the man buying 7.4 litres of kerosene from a nearby petrol station the day before. Firefighters believe he poured the combustible liquid onto two spots on one of the beds before setting it alight.

The suspect was charged with arson. A judge ordered him to remain in custody Thursday due to the risk of fleeing or destroying evidence.

Locals Casino

Located in the remote highlands 130 kilometers from Seoul, the state-owned Kangwon Land is South Korea’s largest casino. It’s also the only casino in the country where South Korean nationals are allowed to gamble. Forget it. It’s the only place in the world—at least in theory—where citizens can be prosecuted at home for gambling abroad.

The casino recently announced a $1.58 billion expansion in an effort to prepare for the emerging casino market in Japan. It also wants to attract more customers from overseas, even if they may not be the type to set their rooms on fire.