South Korean teacher questioned over fatal knife attack on elementary school student

South Korean teacher questioned over fatal knife attack on elementary school student

In Seoul, South Korea, an elementary school teacher is being questioned by police after she allegedly stabbed a first-grade girl in the city of Daejeon. The incident occurred during afternoon care and shocked the country. The country's current president then ordered a review of safety standards in schools.

Details about the incident

The crime happened on Monday in a media room on the second floor of the school. The female suspect, who was receiving medical treatment for self-inflicted injuries at the time of her arrest, is reportedly in her 40s. According to Yuk Jong-myeong, head of the Daejeon Western Police Department, the teacher recently returned to work after a medical leave during which she was treated for depression.

Search operation and discovery

After the first grader was reported missing at 5:15 p.m. local time on Monday, police and family members began searching the school and surrounding areas. The girl's grandmother found her in the media room at 5:50 p.m. The girl was immediately taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Reactions of the authorities

Choi Sang-mok, who due to the Impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol Acting Chief Minister, called for a thorough investigation into the incident and directed education authorities to “take necessary measures to ensure that such incidents never happen again.” Meanwhile, mourners placed flowers and condolences at the gate of the school, which remained closed on Tuesday.