An 8-year-old girl, Kim Ha-neul, was allegedly choked and stabbed by a teacher at an elementary school in Daejeon, South Korea, on Monday (Feb 10).
According to the police, the teacher, a 48-year-old woman, attacked the child in an audiovisual room on the second floor of the school building.
The suspect later admitted to the crime, stating that she was angry after being prohibited from teaching following her return to work.
Both Had No Prior Connection and Preplanned Murder in a Locked Room
Police confirmed that the suspect and the victim had no prior relationship. Authorities also revealed that the suspect purchased a knife earlier that day from a store near the school during her lunch break.
The room was typically kept locked, with keys stored in the teacher’s office.
Father’s Distressing App Alert and Mother Files Missing Child Report
Kim, who was in the school’s after-school care program, was waiting for her academy bus to attend her private tuition academy.
The bus driver then contacted the school around 4:30 p.m. when she did not appear. The academy later called her parents 10 minutes later.
Kim’s father realized something was wrong after tracking her phone through an app. Kim’s father stated that, at around 4:50 p.m., he could no longer hear his daughter’s voice but instead heard heavy breathing and the sound of drawers opening and closing.
Additionally, according to Daejeon Seobu Police Precinct, it is reported that Kim’s mother reported her missing through the “112” hotline around 5:15 p.m.
Grandmother’s Discovery
An hour later, Kim’s grandmother discovered the teacher inside the audiovisual room, covered in blood. She immediately alerted the police, who then found Kim’s lifeless body nearby.
According to reports, the victim’s body was found with stab wounds on her neck and face.
“It Didn’t Matter Which Child It Was”
According to Korea JoongAng Daily, the teacher told investigators, “It didn’t matter which child it was.” She lured Kim into the audiovisual room by offering her a book.
Once inside, she strangled and repeatedly stabbed the child. After attacking the child, she proceeded to inflict wounds on herself.
The teacher also confessed that she had planned to harm the last student leaving the classroom that day and Kim was tragically the last to leave.
Teacher’s Mental Health History and Return to Work
The suspect had been receiving treatment for depression since 2018.
She initially took a six-month leave starting December 9, 2024 but returned in late December—less than a month later—with a medical certificate claiming she was fit to teach.
Previous Violent Incidents
However, just four days before the murder, she displayed violent behavior towards a colleague. The suspect reportedly twisted a colleague’s arm after being asked how she was.
In addition, on the day of the killing, she also damaged a computer out of frustration over slow internet speeds, The Sun reports.
Grief Among Community
Following the tragedy, teachers, students, and residents gathered outside the school, leaving flowers and notes in memory of Kim Ha-neul.
Her father expressed his heartbreak, describing his daughter as a caring and cheerful child who looked after her younger sibling.
“No other tragedy like hers must be allowed to take place,” he said.
Police Investigation and Possible Identity Disclosure
Police are currently investigating the suspect’s medical records and reviewing her history of treatment and medication.
Authorities have also requested an autopsy on Kim’s body. Meanwhile, officials are considering whether to publicly disclose the suspect’s identity.
The police have obtained warrants to formally arrest the teacher and search her home and electronic devices.
School Closure
Following this incident, the school remains closed for a week as the city’s education office provides counseling support for students and staff.
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