South Korean Suspect Behind Yasukuni Shrine Bombing In Tokyo Arrested By Japanese Authorities
The South Korean suspect for the bombing of Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, Japan on Nov. 23 has surrendered himself to Japanese authorities on Wednesday.
The suspect was identified as 27-year-old Chong Chang Han, The Chosun Ilbo reported Thursday. He was apprehended upon his arrival in Haneda Airport, Tokyo from South Korea. Upon questioning, Chon denied any involvement in the incident.
According to Korea Times Wednesday, the Japanese police had informed the South Korean embassy in Tokyo about Chon's arrest, after which a consular official was sent to the police station where Chon was being detained.
Reports say Chon wanted to "check the restroom" where the bomb exploded after being asked by reporters if he truly was the suspect.
The Nov. 23 explosion took place in a restroom at the Yasukuni Shrine, which is dedicated to Japan's war dead including convicted war criminals. The police found a digital timer, batteries, and a bundle of pipes, which authorities presumed were contained the bombing device.
Prior to the incident, Chon was reportedly staying at a hotel which is only a 10-minute walk away from the shrine. CCTV footage from the shrine and nearby areas showed Chon walking around the shrine the day before the bombing. Chon's identity was discovered through DNA tests on cigarette butts found in Chon's hotel room.
Chon was born in Namwon, North Jeolla Province. He worked as an electrician before joining the Air Force in 2009. He was discharged from mandatory military service in March this year and has since been unemployed.
The Yasukuni Shrine honors over 2.4 million war dead, including 14 Class-A war criminals. It is regarded by South Korea and China as a symbol of Japan's past imperialism, and has been a subject of controversy.
This isn't the first time the shrine suffered from attacks, BBC News noted Wednesday .
A Chinese man was suspected of setting one of the gates on fire in 2011.
In 2013, a South Korean man was also apprehended while caught smuggling paint thinners into the shrine which he used to litter the main hall.