A daring British man's attempt to climb one of the world's tallest buildings without the aid of ropes came to an abrupt halt on June 12 as South Korean authorities intervened and forced him to abandon his ascent. The incident took place on the Lotte World Tower in Seoul, the sixth tallest building in the world.
In a video footage released by the Songpa Fire Station, the man can be seen scaling the exterior of the 123-storey skyscraper using only his bare hands. However, his impressive climb was cut short when authorities intervened while he was on the 73rd floor. A fire department official revealed that the man had been climbing for over an hour before being compelled to enter the building via a maintenance cradle.
The 24-year-old British man, identified as George King-Thompson by the Chosun Ilbo newspaper, was immediately handed over to the police for further questioning. At the time of reporting, the police were not available to provide additional comments or details regarding the incident.
This is not the first time King-Thompson has made headlines for his audacious climbing endeavors. In 2019, he gained notoriety in the United Kingdom after successfully scaling the Shard building in London. He was subsequently arrested and sentenced to jail for his actions.
Authorities around the world have been increasingly concerned about such risky feats as they pose significant safety risks not only to the climbers but also to the general public. Trespassing on private property and endangering oneself and others can lead to serious legal consequences.
While the motive behind King-Thompson's latest climb remains unclear, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges authorities face in ensuring public safety and protecting iconic structures from potential intruders. As the investigation continues, authorities will determine the appropriate legal actions to be taken against the British climber.
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