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.
Prosecutors had sought the death penalty for Myeong, citing the family's demands for a severe punishment.
However, the court concluded that while the risk of reoffending is high, it is difficult to conclude that Myeong must be executed.
Myeong expressed her intent to reflect on her mistakes for the rest of her life, claiming her judgement had weakened during the attack as she was undergoing mental health treatment.
Despite prosecutors alleging that she showed no remorse during investigations, Myeong submitted numerous letters expressing regret during her trial.
In the days leading to the stabbing, she had exhibited troubling behavior, including an incident where she attacked another teacher.
On the day of the attack, two education officials had visited her school to investigate her earlier altercations, increasing concerns about her psychological state.
Reports indicate Myeong had bought a weapon on the day of the attack with intentions to end her life and the life of a random child. She managed to lure Kim into the media room before attacking her.
Kim was reported missing after a bus driver noted her absence and was discovered later at the school with fatal injuries alongside Myeong, who also inflicted wounds on herself.
In response to the shocking nature of this crime, South Korean authorities have called for enhanced safety measures within schools to prevent future tragedies.
Myeong will be required to wear a tracking device for 30 years post-sentence. The court's verdict emphasized her position as a teacher meant to protect children, contrasting sharply with her actions in this tragic incident.
