A teacher in South Korea has been handed a life sentence for the tragic stabbing death of an eight-year-old girl. The incident, which occurred in February, has sent shockwaves through the nation, prompting discussions about safety measures in schools. Myeong Jae-wan, aged 48, lured the young victim, Kim Hae-neul, into a classroom in Daejeon before committing the fatal assault.
Prosecutors had initially sought the death penalty for Myeong, citing the victim’s family’s plea for severe punishment and Myeong’s lack of remorse during the investigation. However, the court, while acknowledging the high risk of reoffending, determined that execution was not the appropriate sentence.
Myeong claimed to be undergoing mental health treatment at the time of the incident, stating her judgment was impaired. She also expressed remorse through numerous letters submitted to the court. Prior to the stabbing, Myeong had reportedly displayed violent behavior, including an altercation with another teacher, and had briefly taken leave from her duties due to depression. Despite a doctor clearing her to return to work, concerns about her conduct persisted.
The court’s verdict emphasized the profound breach of trust, 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.” In addition to her life sentence, Myeong has been ordered to wear an electronic tracking device for 30 years.
The incident has led to national calls for enhanced safety protocols within schools to prevent such tragedies from recurring.