A family birthday gathering turned deadly when a 63-year-old Korean man shot and killed his 33-year-old son using a homemade firearm in Incheon on 20 Jul 2025.
Police later discovered a makeshift bomb in the suspect’s Seoul apartment, leading to the evacuation of 105 residents.
Father Opens Fire During Birthday Party in Songdo International City
The shooting occurred at around 9:30pm local time (10:30pm Singapore time) on 20 Jul 2025 at an apartment in Songdo International City, a modern waterfront district in Incheon.
The victim had organised the birthday celebration for his father at his residence.
Several family members witnessed the attack, including the victim’s wife, two young children, and other acquaintances. The suspect allegedly fired two homemade shotgun rounds filled with metal pellets using an improvised pipe-shaped firearm.
The victim’s wife called the police, reporting that her father-in-law had shot her husband. First responders found the victim collapsed with several gunshot wounds. He was transported to the hospital but died from his injuries.
The victim’s mother was later confirmed to be a prominent skincare business executive. Neighbours reported frequently hearing arguments between the suspect and victim in recent times.
After the shooting, the suspect fled the scene by car. Seoul police arrested him at approximately 12:20am on 21 Jul 2025 (1:20am Singapore time) in Gangnam District, about 30 kilometres from the crime scene.
The three-hour manhunt involved tactical units.
Makeshift Bomb Discovered in Seoul Apartment Complex
During questioning, the suspect revealed he had planted an explosive device in his residence in Dobong-gu, northern Seoul. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency immediately evacuated 105 residents from the building.
The bomb squad discovered and safely removed a makeshift explosive containing accelerants and a timer. The device comprised gasoline, thinner, ignition components and was set to detonate at noon on 21 Jul 2025.
Police intervened seven hours before the scheduled detonation time.
The apartment is registered under the name of the suspect’s wife. Upon further investigation, authorities uncovered 14 additional explosives in the residence, along with containers of flammable liquids and other ignition devices.
Police also recovered nine gun barrels from the suspect’s vehicle and additional metal pipes from his home. In total, authorities seized 15 improvised weapons and explosive devices from his car and residence.
During questioning, the suspect told police he learned how to make the firearm on YouTube. He claimed he bought the ammunition from another individual and cited longstanding family conflict as his motive for the crime.
Photos shared online showed police tactical units and ambulances stationed outside the apartment complex, initially prompting speculation about a mass shooting. Authorities clarified there was only one victim and no further injuries.
Gun violence is extremely rare in South Korea, where private ownership of firearms is strictly regulated. The weapon was described as a crudely constructed pipe-shaped firearm, not commercially manufactured.
Investigators are working with the National Forensic Service to analyse the firearm and explosive materials. A police official stated that investigations regarding the production of both the firearm and explosives, as well as the full motive behind the crime, are ongoing.
Residents of the suspect’s apartment complex described him as someone who used to greet neighbours but had become withdrawn over the past few years.
The suspect remains in custody and is under investigation for murder and multiple violations of South Korea’s firearms and explosives laws.
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