Daejeon: A South Korean court has sentenced a teacher to life in prison for fatally stabbing an eight-year-old girl, in a case that shocked the nation. Myeong Jae-wan, 48, killed Kim Hae-neul after luring her into a classroom in the central city of Daejeon in February.

According to BBC, prosecutors initially sought the death penalty for Myeong, citing the victim’s family’s request for a harsh punishment. Despite showing no remorse during the investigation, Myeong submitted numerous letters to the court expressing regret for her actions.

Myeong had previously requested a six-month leave of absence due to depression but returned to work within 20 days after a doctor deemed her fit, the Daejeon education office reported in February. Prior to the stabbing, Myeong exhibited violent behavior, including placing another teacher in a headlock, prompting an investigation by education officials on the day of the attack.

Myeong confessed to police that she purchased a weapon with the intent to kill herself and a random child, luring Kim into the media room before the assault. The student was reported missing when a bus driver noted her absence, leading to the discovery of her body and Myeong, who also had a self-inflicted neck wound.

Following the incident, South Korean leaders called for enhanced safety measures to prevent similar tragedies. As part of her sentencing, Myeong is required to wear an electronic location tracking device for 30 years. The court emphasized the breach of trust in its verdict, stating, “As an elementary school teacher, the accused was in a position to protect the victim. But she committed this brutal crime in which a child was not protected where they should be most safe.”