A shocking case has emerged in Daejeon, South Korea, where a 40-year-old female elementary school teacher, identified as A, has confessed to murdering an 8-year-old first-grade student, Kim Ha Neul, out of frustration after being excluded from teaching duties.

According to the Daejeon Seobu Police Station on February 11th, A told investigators, “I became irritated just three days after returning to work. ○○ prevented me from teaching.”

A had been receiving treatment for depression since 2018. On December 9th last year, she went on a six-month medical leave but attempted to return after only about 20 days, claiming she had received a "normal" evaluation from a doctor. However, her abrupt return did not lead to her immediate reintegration into teaching, which reportedly triggered her anger.

On February 10th, A purchased a knife outside the school before entering the premises. She then targeted a student at random, waiting outside the audiovisual room for children finishing their after-school care class. A testified that she had no specific victim in mind and chose the last student to leave the room, luring her inside by saying, "I have a book for you." She then strangled the child before stabbing her.

On February 10th at around 6 PM, authorities discovered Kim Ha Neul fatally wounded on the second floor of the school building, along with A, who had attempted to harm herself. Reports indicate that A had previously displayed violent behavior toward colleagues.

A is currently recovering in an intensive care unit following surgery. The police plan to investigate her motives further once her condition stabilizes.

Kim Ha Neul’s funeral was held on February 11th in Daejeon, as the community mourns the devastating loss.

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