The newspaper article I read made it pretty clear that the fire department failed to properly extinguish the initial fire, and then reacted poorly to the secondary (more severe) fire that lead to the ultimate destruction.

Does anyone have pictures of the aftermath? I have seen tons of pictures of the fire and even some video, but I have not seen what is left of the gate.

I 100% agree with you, shsong21.

There was similar situation at April, 6, 2005.
The Buddhist temple, Nak-san temple, lost most of the buildings because of the forest fire.
But, the thing is, the department of treasures, they just worried about the damage of the cultural assets by putting out the fire.
I mean, the fire officers have to crack the roof tiles to eliminate the hidden fire below the tiles, but department of the treasures did not let them crack the tiles. So, the fire officers couldn't crack the roof tiles. That's why most of the buildings of Nak-san temple are gone.

In this case, nothing is different. department of treasures keep saying 'protect the gate from the fire!!', not even god damn single detail. So, the fire officers could not crack the roof tiles and just shooting waters on the roof tiles. That's why the fire ain't eliminated.

AND NOW, department of treasures blaming the fire department, and the fire department, they're just saying 'we have no responsibility'

We just lost history of the 600 years,
But they are blaming each other and don't even try to take responsibility

what a funny government..

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Here's some photos from internet news, ssnapier...
The last photo..It looks like covering cloth on the dead person..

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I am back home in the US on leave and just now heard the news. I did a few searches and found a video of the fire and the collapse. I couldn't believe my eyes... it reminded me of when I saw the World Trade Center collapse. Thank God there was no loss of life in this case. I feel fortunate to have been able to see this beautiful structure before the fire and I'm saddened by its destruction.

The entire country is shocked and saddened. A man has confessed to the arson. I couldn't hear the announcement well, and don't know if he was 17 or 70. Either way, he is in a LOT of trouble. They estimate three years and 20 million dollars to rebuild. Sad story.

I just saw the article..he's 70 yrs old man.
The reason is really..selfish..
HE arsoned the greatest treasure of Korea BECAUSE of the MONEY and dissatisfaction!! Oh gosh..
check the details at the article..

He is a Cultural TERRORIST.
But he will be prosecuted for arson. Thats it. wth..

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Right. The asshole old man is 70 yrs old.
I can't believe that. The man is a crazy person.
He just arsoned our No 1. treasure because of the MONEY.
The Headline news broadcasted all over the world through CNN and Internet site.
It is our shame.

The sole responsibility is on the man that set the fire. All anyone can do now is learn from it, make changes and move on.

He's only getting 10 years?! Sounds kind of light for destroying a historcal treasure.

He may not last 10 years...
I don't know, judges decisions are a mystery to me. Even in the US one normally gets 10 to 20 for 1st degree murder. Yet, with good behavior they usually can get out in 7 years...