Life Sentence for School Murder That Shocked South Korea
A 48-year-old elementary school teacher in South Korea has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of a 7-year-old student that horrified the nation earlier this year. Myeong Jae-wan was convicted on October 20, 2025, for luring first-grader Kim Ha-neul into a classroom under false pretenses and fatally stabbing her.
The Tragic Incident
The crime occurred on February 10, 2025, at an elementary school in Daejeon, South Korea. Myeong, who had been teaching at the school, called the young student to a media room after regular school hours, promising to give her a book. Instead, she attacked the child with a knife she had purchased earlier that day, inflicting fatal wounds. 'This was a brutal crime committed in a place where children should feel safest,' the court stated in its ruling.
According to court documents and Korean media reports, Myeong also suffered self-inflicted injuries to her neck and arms during the incident. Police investigators determined these were likely suicide attempts following the murder.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Prosecutors had sought the death penalty for Myeong, describing the case as a 'crime with an abnormal motive' and emphasizing the vulnerability of the young victim. However, the Daejeon District Court ultimately imposed a life sentence, stating that while 'the risk of reoffending is high,' execution was not warranted. The court also ordered Myeong to wear an electronic tracking device for 30 years.
'We cannot ignore the defendant's mental health condition, but this does not excuse the brutal nature of this crime against a child,' the presiding judge noted during sentencing.
Mental Health and Background
During the trial, Myeong's defense argued that she suffered from severe depression and other mental health disorders for which she had been receiving treatment since 2018. Her lawyer claimed she was 'psychologically confused' at the time of the crime and expressed remorse for her actions.
Court records revealed that Myeong had been struggling with family problems and work-related stress. Days before the murder, she had assaulted a fellow teacher and damaged school property, indicating escalating behavioral issues. The Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education had dismissed Myeong in April, and the dismissal was finalized after she did not appeal.
National Impact and Safety Reforms
The case prompted nationwide soul-searching about school safety and teacher mental health support in South Korea. Following the tragedy, Education Minister Lee Ju-ho announced comprehensive measures to strengthen school safety protocols. Government reforms include legislation to remove teachers with violent tendencies from classrooms and mandatory psychological evaluations for educators returning from leave.
The government also committed to providing lifelong mental health support for all teachers and implementing enhanced safety measures for young students, particularly in after-school programs where the incident occurred. Additional surveillance cameras and safety personnel are being deployed to prevent similar tragedies.
Broader Implications
This case highlights the critical importance of mental health support for educators and robust safety protocols in educational institutions. As mental health experts note, untreated mental health conditions among educators can have devastating consequences for both teachers and students.
The sentencing brings some closure to a case that has deeply affected South Korean society, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the need for comprehensive mental health support systems and safety measures in schools worldwide.