South Korea in Shock as Teacher Fatally Stabs Eight-Year-Old Student

A tragic stabbing at an elementary school in Daejeon, South Korea, has left the nation reeling after a teacher fatally attacked an eight-year-old girl.

The suspect, a female teacher in her 40s, confessed to the crime, according to police. Authorities discovered the child with stab wounds on the second floor of the school at around 6:00 PM local time on Monday. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she was pronounced dead. The teacher was found nearby with what police believe to be self-inflicted wounds and is currently receiving treatment.

South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has ordered a full investigation and urged authorities to implement stronger measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. Mourners have placed flowers and stuffed toys outside the school, which remained closed on Tuesday.

According to police, the teacher had a history of mental health struggles. She had previously requested a six-month leave of absence due to depression but returned to work just 20 days later after being declared fit. Reports indicate she had shown alarming behavior in the days before the attack, including physically assaulting another teacher. Officials from the education office had visited the school on Monday morning to address the incident, recommending she be placed on leave and closely monitored.

Disturbingly, the teacher admitted to police that she had purchased a weapon on the day of the attack and planned to take her own life along with that of a child—any child. She allegedly waited until the last student was leaving, lured her into a media room, and carried out the attack. The girl was reported missing when a bus driver noticed she had not arrived for pickup.

The incident has reignited concerns over mental health support for educators and school safety in South Korea. Despite its reputation as a safe country with strict gun laws, South Korea has seen an increase in violent crimes in recent years. Acting President Choi expressed his condolences to the victim’s family, stating, “A school should be our safest space.”