A female teacher fatally stabbed an eight-year-old girl at an elementary school in Daejeon, South Korea, on February 11, 2025. The incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting an investigation by authorities into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
- Teacher fatally stabbed eight-year-old girl.
- Incident occurred at elementary school in Daejeon.
- Teacher had recent history of violent behavior.
- Investigation ordered by South Korea's acting president.
- Community mourns with flowers and stuffed toys.
- South Korea faces rising concerns over violence.
The tragic event occurred on Monday evening when the girl was reported missing after failing to arrive home from school. Police discovered her on the second floor of the school building with stab wounds, and she was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after. The teacher was found nearby with stab wounds that authorities believe may have been self-inflicted.
Details surrounding the teacher’s behavior prior to the incident have raised concerns. She had recently displayed violent tendencies, including an altercation where she put another teacher in a headlock. On the morning of the stabbing, officials from the education office were at the school to investigate this incident. Following these events, the teacher had been separated from other staff and was monitored closely.
- The teacher had requested a six-month leave due to depression but returned to work after 20 days.
- She did not have a relationship with the victim.
- South Korea has seen an increase in violent crimes, including stabbings, despite being generally safe.
In response to the incident, acting president Choi Sang-mok expressed deep condolences to the victim’s family and emphasized the need for measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The education office is also reviewing its protocols regarding staff mental health and safety.
This incident highlights the urgent need for effective mental health interventions and monitoring in schools to safeguard students and staff alike. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of a young life and seeks answers to prevent future occurrences.
