Teacher stabs 8-year-old student to death at elementary school in Daejeon

A female teacher in her 40s stabbed an eight-year-old student to death at an elementary school in the central city of Daejeon on Monday and inflicted stab wounds on herself, authorities said.

Earlier, police found the two with stab wounds on the second floor of an elementary school building in Daejeon, 160 kilometers south of Seoul, at around 6 p.m. after the student's parent reported her missing from an after-school art class.

Rescuers transported the girl to a hospital in an unconscious state, but she later died. The teacher, who sustained stab wounds to the neck and arm, reportedly remained conscious.

Police later said the teacher admitted to the crime during a subsequent investigation, with officials determining that she might have inflicted the injuries on herself afterward.

The student was staying at the school at the time of the crime for its after-class child care session before heading to a private art class.

Police found that the teacher had taken a leave of absence due to depression and returned to the school late last year.

The teacher underwent surgery for her stab wounds, and the police said they will resume questioning her as soon as the operation concludes and she regains her health. (Yonhap)

Source : https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2025/02/251_391942.html?utm_source=taboola

Comprehension

Where did the crime happen?
Who was involved in the incident?
What time did the police find the teacher and student?
What happened to the student after she was taken to the hospital?
What did the teacher do after stabbing the student?
Why did the police believe the teacher harmed herself?
What mental health condition did the teacher have?
When did the teacher return to work after her leave of absence?

Discussion

What role should mental health support play in schools, especially for teachers?
How can schools ensure both student and teacher well-being to prevent tragedies like this?
What policies could be implemented to better monitor individuals returning from mental health leave?
How should schools communicate with parents and students after a traumatic event like this?
How might incidents like this affect parents' and students' trust in schools, and how can schools rebuild that trust?
How can we support people who are struggling with stress or depression?
What rules should schools have to prevent dangerous situations?
How do you think students feel after a serious event like this?
What can schools do to help students after a tragic event?
Who should be responsible for making sure teachers are mentally healthy?

Vocabulary

Authorities – People in charge, like the police or government.
Stab wounds – Deep cuts caused by a knife or sharp object.
Unconscious – Not awake or aware of what is happening.
Inflicted – Caused harm or pain to someone.
Investigation – A process of finding out the truth about a crime.
Crime – An illegal action that breaks the law.
Leave of absence – A break from work for personal or health reasons.
Regains – Gets something back, like strength or health.