SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — On February 12, 2025, a South Korean elementary school teacher was questioned by police after allegedly stabbing a first-grader to death in Daejeon. The incident occurred during after-school care, leading to national shock and prompting the acting president to call for a review of school safety standards.
- Teacher allegedly stabbed first-grader to death
- Incident occurred during after-school care
- Acting president calls for safety review
- Suspect has history of depression treatment
- Victim found by grandmother in school
- Community mourns with flowers and letters
The tragic event unfolded on February 11, 2025, when a first-grade student was reported missing from her school. After a search, her grandmother discovered her in an audio-visual room at approximately 5:50 p.m. local time. Emergency responders rushed the girl to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The teacher, a woman in her 40s, was found with self-inflicted wounds and is currently receiving medical treatment.
According to police, the suspect had recently returned to work after a health-related leave and has been receiving treatment for depression since 2018. The incident has raised serious concerns about the mental health support available to educators and the overall safety of students in schools.
- Incident Date: February 11, 2025
- Location: Daejeon, South Korea
- Victim: First-grade student
- Suspect: Female teacher in her 40s
In response to the incident, Choi Sang-mok, the acting president of South Korea, has called for a thorough investigation and urged education authorities to implement measures to prevent future occurrences. The school was closed on February 12, and visitors have begun laying flowers and condolence letters at its gate in memory of the young victim.
The tragic stabbing of a first-grader in South Korea has sparked outrage and demands for action. As investigations continue, the focus will likely remain on ensuring the safety and well-being of students in schools across the nation.
