Daejon: A tragic incident has shocked South Korea. A teacher fatally stabs an eight-year-old girl at an elementary school in Daejeon. The crime has raised serious concerns about school safety and mental health awareness.
Incident Details
The stabbing happened on Monday at 18:00 local time (09:00 GMT). The student was found with severe wounds on the second floor of the school building. Emergency responders rushed her to the hospital, but she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police discovered the teacher, a woman in her 40s, next to the victim. She had stab wounds that authorities believe were self-inflicted. She admitted the crime during questioning.
Authorities Respond
South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, ordered a full investigation. He urged authorities to implement strict measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. On Tuesday, the school remained closed as mourners placed flowers and tributes at the gate.
Teacher’s Background and Mental Health Issues
Police revealed that the teacher had a history of mental health struggles. In December, she requested a six-month leave due to depression. However, after only 20 days, a doctor deemed her fit to return to work.
She reportedly had suicidal thoughts during her time off. Just days before the attack, she displayed violent behavior. She allegedly put another teacher in a headlock, which led to an internal investigation.
Two education officials visited the school on Monday morning to assess the situation. They had recommended placing the teacher on leave. She was temporarily assigned to sit beside the vice principal’s desk for supervision. Since December, she had not been teaching classes or interacting with students, including the victim.
The Attack and Shocking Testimony
Authorities say the teacher purchased a weapon on the same day of the attack. She later told police she had planned to kill herself along with a child. She did not have a specific target and chose the last student to leave.
The victim was reported missing after a school bus driver noticed she was absent from the pickup point. Investigators later discovered she had been lured into the media room, where she was attacked.
Public Outrage and Concerns
South Korea is considered one of the safest countries, with strict gun control laws. However, knife attacks and violent crimes have been on the rise in recent years.
President Choi expressed his sorrow over the tragedy. He stressed that schools must be safe spaces for children. Authorities are now under pressure to improve mental health monitoring and school security.
Final Thoughts
This heartbreaking event highlights the urgent need for better mental health support in schools. It also raises questions about teacher screening and student protection. South Korea now faces a crucial moment to reassess its education and mental health policies to prevent such tragedies in the future.
