Kim Dae-han was a 56-year-old unemployed former taxi driver from South Korea. In November 2001, he suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed, leading to significant physical and mental health challenges. Struggling with depression and feelings of societal neglect, Kim became increasingly isolated. He expressed dissatisfaction with his medical treatment and harbored violent thoughts, culminating in a desire to end his life in a public setting to avoid dying alone. This tragic mindset set the stage for the catastrophic events that would unfold in Daegu.

On the morning of February 18, 2003, Kim boarded train 1079 on Daegu Metro Line 1, carrying a duffel bag containing two green milk cartons filled with a flammable liquid, possibly paint thinner or gasoline. As the train departed Banwoldang station around 9:53 a.m., Kim began fumbling with the cartons and a cigarette lighter, alarming other passengers who attempted to stop him. During the struggle, one of the cartons spilled, and its contents ignited as the train arrived at Jungangno station in downtown Daegu.

The fire rapidly engulfed all six cars of train 1079. Within minutes, the blaze spread to a second train, 1080, which had entered the station unaware of the unfolding disaster. The operator of train 1080, following protocol, briefly opened the doors before closing them to prevent smoke ingress. However, an automatic fire detector subsequently cut power to both trains, disabling the door mechanisms. The operator fled, inadvertently taking the master key, which sealed the doors and trapped passengers inside.

The intense heat and toxic smoke made rescue efforts exceedingly difficult. Emergency responders were unable to enter the station for over three hours due to the hazardous conditions. The fire was extinguished around 1:38 p.m., but by then, 192 people had perished, and 151 others were injured. Many victims were students or young women working in nearby department stores, and identification was challenging due to the severity of the burns, necessitating DNA analysis.

Kim survived the fire with severe burns and was arrested the following day. He confessed to the arson, expressing his desire to die and take others with him. In August 2003, he was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Kim died in prison on August 31, 2004, from complications related to his injuries and chronic illness.