South Korean Teacher Sentenced to Life for Murdering Student

A court in South Korea has sentenced a teacher to life in prison for the murder of an 8-year-old student in a school classroom. 48-year-old Myeong Jae-wan killed Kim Hae-neul in February in Daejeon.

Myeong had requested a six-month leave citing depression but returned earlier after a doctor deemed her fit to work. On the day of the murder, education officials had visited the school to investigate a previous dispute.

Myeong confessed to police that she had bought a weapon and intended to commit suicide along with a child. She lured the victim into a classroom and attacked her. Initially, the student was reported missing. She was later found with stab wounds, along with Myeong, who had a neck wound.

Although prosecutors had sought the death penalty, the court ruled that despite the high risk of recidivism, execution was not necessary. The convicted teacher is also required to wear an electronic tracking device for 30 years.

Myeong stated that she would reflect on her actions and submitted letters of remorse. She claimed her judgment was impaired due to psychiatric treatment.