A teacher in South Korea has been handed a life sentence by a court for the tragic stabbing death of an eight-year-old girl. The crime, which deeply shook the nation, involved Myeong Jae-wan, 48, fatally attacking Kim Hae-neul after enticing her into a classroom in Daejeon earlier this year.
Prosecutors had initially sought the death penalty for Myeong, highlighting the victim’s family’s plea for severe punishment. However, the court cited that while the risk of reoffending was deemed high, an execution was not considered the definitive outcome.
Myeong expressed that she would spend the rest of her life reflecting on her actions. She stated that her judgment had been impaired at the time of the incident due to ongoing mental health treatment. Previously, prosecutors had suggested Myeong showed no remorse during the investigation, though she later submitted numerous letters of apology to the court.
Reports from the Daejeon education office indicated that Myeong had requested a six-month leave of absence for depression but returned to teaching after only 20 days, following a doctor’s clearance. In the days leading up to the stabbing, Myeong had exhibited concerning behavior, including physically restraining another teacher, according to the education office.
On the morning of the attack, education officials were reportedly at the school to investigate Myeong’s previous altercation. Myeong confessed to police that she had purchased a weapon on the day of the incident with the intention of taking her own life and harming a random child.
She admitted to luring Kim into the media room before carrying out the attack. Kim was reported missing by a bus driver who noted her absence from the school pickup. She was later discovered at the school with stab wounds, alongside Myeong, who also had a neck wound believed to be self-inflicted.
The incident prompted calls from South Korean leaders for enhanced safety measures in schools. Myeong has also been ordered to wear an electronic tracking device for the next 30 years.
The court’s verdict emphasized the severity of Myeong’s actions, stating, “As an elementary school teacher, the accused was in a position to protect the victim. But she committed this brutal crime in which a child was not protected where they should be most safe.”