Here is an update on the Itaewon Hooker Hill fire:

The owner of a Hooker Hill brothel testified Tuesday that she believes the U.S. soldier charged with burning down her business in November did so unintentionally and does not want him to be punished.

Lee Seo-yoon told the Seoul Central District Court that she feels sorry for the soldier, Pfc. Marcos Pedraza-Pascual, because he is young and doesn’t have the money to pay for the damages to Tiger Tavern. The Itaewon-area establishment has been off-limits to U.S. troops since 2003 because of its suspected involvement in prostitution and human trafficking.

Lee also said that the 21-year-old Pedraza-Pascual has apologized for the fire, which began late on the night of Nov. 14 or early the next morning.

Pedraza-Pascual, who is stationed at K-16 Air Base, testified last month that he drank 10 beers before accidentally knocking over a lit candle that was sitting on a bed. After realizing he had started the fire, the soldier said, he ran out of the building to look for a fire extinguisher, and didn’t return.  [Stars & Stripes]

You can read the rest at the link but it appears the bar owner probably got her insurance payout and has no need to see this guy go to jail.  This case though serves as yet another perfect example of why people should stay out of off limits establishments.