People Power Party to Hold Party-Government Meeting to Discuss Prevention of Recurrence of 'Daejeon Elementary Student Murder'

Kwon Seongdong: "We Will Devote All Efforts to Prevent Recurrence"
Kim Sanghoon: "Law Revision Needed for Immediate Separation of Problematic Teachers"

On the 12th, the People Power Party announced plans to hold a party-government consultation meeting to establish measures to prevent recurrence, such as separating teachers and students showing signs of danger, in relation to the murder case of the late elementary school student Kim Ha-neul in Daejeon.

At the party floor meeting held at the National Assembly on the same day, Floor Leader Kwon Seong-dong said, "We hope the authorities will thoroughly investigate the cause of this incident," and added, "The People Power Party will devote all efforts to preventing such tragedies from happening again in schools."

Policy Committee Chairman Kim Sang-hoon also stated, "We consider this incident a serious threat to the lives and safety of children, who are our future," and "We will promptly hold a party-government consultation meeting to prepare measures to prevent recurrence."

Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on February 12, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Chairman Kim expressed condolences for the deceased, saying, "It is heartbreaking that an unimaginable incident occurred at an elementary school, a place that should be full of dreams and hope," and added, "As the ruling party responsible for the safety of the people, we feel a deep sense of responsibility."

He mentioned that the accused teacher had applied for a six-month medical leave due to depression but returned early, had repeatedly taken sick leave in the past due to mental illness, and had engaged in physical fights with fellow teachers due to violent tendencies and behavior. He then pointed out, "The reality is clearly revealed that schools cannot forcibly suspend work unless a teacher with mental illness voluntarily resigns."

He continued, "While it is not impossible to dismiss a teacher showing dangerous signs by official authority under the system, there is criticism that the teacher review committees of the respective education offices have failed to function in making such judgments," adding, "There have been no review cases in Seoul for five years and in Daejeon for two years. Ultimately, there is a problem raised that appropriate measures against teachers who may harm fellow teachers and students are difficult."

He also added, "Voices are growing regarding the need to revise laws for the immediate separation of teachers with issues such as mental illness and the necessity of regular mental health checkups for school members."