Arson is suspected in a fire at the birthplace of late leader Park Chung-hee, father of President Park Geun-hye, in southern South Korea, local firefighters said Thursday.

The fire broke out around 3:15 p.m. at the home located in Gumi, some 261 kilometers southeast of Seoul, and was extinguished within 10 minutes, they added. No casualties were immediately reported.

Firefighters, however, said the fire has destroyed the memorial hall that displayed the late president's portrait.

The birthpalce of late leader Park Chung-hee (Yonhap)
Police said the suspect, a man aged 48 from the city of Suwon, just south of Seoul, has been arrested and is being questioned.

The former president ruled the country for 18 years after seizing power in a military coup in 1961. He was assassinated in 1979. Detractors have reviled him for suppressing democracy but supporters credit him with bringing about South Korea's rapid economic growth.

The incident comes as President Park is facing the greatest crisis of her political career amid the influence-peddling scandal involving her confidante. Parliament has been pushing for her impeachment from office. (Yonhap)