In a case that has deeply shaken South Korea, a 48-year-old elementary school teacher, Myeong Jae-wan, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of an eight-year-old girl, Kim Hae-neul. The incident occurred in February in the central city of Daejeon, where Myeong lured the young student into a classroom before fatally stabbing her. Prosecutors had pushed for the death penalty, emphasizing the victim’s family’s demand for severe punishment. However, the court ruled that while the risk of reoffending was high, it could not conclusively justify execution. Myeong, who claimed her judgment was impaired due to ongoing mental health treatment, expressed remorse through dozens of letters submitted to the court, though prosecutors noted her lack of remorse during the investigation. Prior to the attack, Myeong had taken a six-month leave for depression but was deemed fit to return to work by a doctor just 20 days later. Reports indicate she exhibited violent behavior in the days leading up to the stabbing, including an altercation with another teacher. On the day of the crime, Myeong purchased a weapon, intending to end her own life and that of a random child. She lured Kim into a media room, where the attack took place. Kim was reported missing after failing to board her school bus and was later found with fatal stab wounds. Myeong also sustained a neck injury, suspected to be self-inflicted. The court condemned Myeong’s actions, stating that as a teacher, she was entrusted with protecting her students but instead committed a heinous crime in a place meant to be safe. In addition to the life sentence, Myeong has been ordered to wear an electronic tracking device for 30 years. South Korean leaders have called for enhanced safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.