Suspect detained for attempting to set Japanese embassy on fire

A 37-year-old man was apprehended on suspicion of attempting to carry out an arson attack on the Japanese embassy in Seoul, presumably in anger over historical disputes between the two countries, police said Thursday and Yonhap News reported.

The suspect, identified only by his surname Jang, planned to set fire to the embassy and take embassy staff hostage, according to police.

Investigators said Jang hoped to hold a press conference criticizing Japan`s policies on Dokdo, a set of South Korean-controlled islets that Japan claims as part of its territory, and Japanese history textbooks that whitewash wartime atrocities during the country`s colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula.

Jang was carrying a lighter and a press statement when he was caught, authorities added.

He allegedly tried to break into the embassy Wednesday evening but was caught by police on stakeout near the building.

Investigators were looking into his medical records to determine whether there is any history of psychiatric treatment, police said.