In the early hours of February 18, 2003, a catastrophic event unfolded within the confines of the Daegu subway system, deep in South Korea. During rush hour, a man, later identified as 56-year-old Lee Kun-seok, initiated a deadly act of arson by igniting a fire with a flammable liquid inside a crowded subway train. The quick spread of the fire created chaos and confusion among the nearly 200 passengers on board. Despite efforts to escape, many were trapped due to smoke and flames, leading to a toll of 192 fatalities and over 150 injuries, marking one of the deadliest instances of urban transport failure in South Korean history. The incident not only shocked the nation but also raised critical concerns over the safety protocols within public transportation systems. Emergency services faced criticism for their slow response times, and the aftermath included extensive investigations into the actions of the perpetrator and the adequacy of safety measures employed in the subway networks. The attack was driven by Lee's struggles with mental illness, showcasing a poignant intersection between mental health issues and public safety, provoking national conversations about mental health support systems and preventive measures for similar future incidents.