Daejeon Elementary Student Murder Case: Statement from the Association of Psychiatry Specialists [Full Text]

Education Minister Lee Ju-ho is delivering opening remarks at a roundtable discussion on "Mental Health Management and Safety Measures for School Members," held on the 14th at the Korea Educational Facilities Safety Institute in Yeouido, Seoul. This emergency roundtable was convened to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents and to establish fundamental safety measures following the death of student Kim Ha-neul. The discussion was attended by five field experts related to student safety, teacher personnel, and teacher rights protection, including teachers, vice principals, and supervisors; three parents; and three mental health experts. 2025.02.14 Photo by Yoon Dong-ju

Mental health experts and various organizations are issuing consecutive statements to prevent the spread of misunderstandings about mental illness in relation to the murder of an elementary school student in Daejeon. They appealed that personal mental health issues should not be evaluated based on whether one has received treatment for conditions such as depression, and that the treatment history should not discourage patients who wish to receive care.

Below is the full statement from the Korean Neuropsychiatric Association.

Recently, a tragic incident occurred in an elementary school where a teacher brutally murdered an eight-year-old student.

We express our condolences to the bereaved family and the students and staff of the school who are going through an incredibly difficult time filled with immeasurable sorrow. We also extend comfort to the many students and families nationwide who are deeply shocked that such an incident happened in a place considered safe?the school environment.

This incident has led to unfortunate misunderstandings about mental illness. Additionally, issues regarding systems such as leave of absence and reinstatement processes related to mental health problems have been raised. To prevent such incidents in the future and to create a healthier school environment, the Korean Neuropsychiatric Association would like to convey several positions.

First, an individual’s mental health should not be assessed based on whether they have received psychiatric treatment. Some severe illnesses may go untreated, while others may visit due to mild stress. Visiting a psychiatrist is not necessarily in order of symptom severity, so having a treatment history does not reflect the seriousness of the condition. It simply means the person has chosen a process of active management and recovery through treatment. Symptoms vary greatly depending on how consistently treatment was received, whether the individual acknowledged their symptoms, and if they took medication as prescribed. Treatment history should not be stigmatized. We hope that those who have sought medical help despite concerns about being a burden to others and facing prejudice will not lose their will to continue treatment because of this incident.

Second, medical professionals should not bear excessive responsibility for an individual’s criminal acts. Doctors have limitations in predicting all risks, making social or legal judgments, or evaluating ethical aspects. Murder is influenced by the perpetrator’s personality and morality; blaming brutal acts on mental illness is an insult to patients who endure mental health challenges and live resiliently.

Third, medical certificates are based on medical judgments at the time of issuance and can change. Due to the nature of mental illness, the term “complete recovery” cannot be used. Even if there is improvement currently, it cannot be guaranteed that relapse will never occur. With active treatment, recovery may be faster than usual, but stopping treatment can lead to rapid deterioration. Therefore, it is unreasonable to demand medical certificates from psychiatrists that go beyond medical judgment regarding issues such as reinstatement, leave of absence, driver’s licenses, firearm possession, or dangerous dog management. For example, some civil servant regulations require clear diagnoses of “complete recovery” or “ability to perform duties,” but forcing doctors to provide certificates beyond their diagnostic scope distorts the essence of medical care and compels violations of medical law. These regulations should be revised, and more reasonable evaluation procedures should be established.

Fourth, the ability of civil servants to perform their duties should be objectively reviewed by independent evaluation bodies or committees. Teachers’ mental health issues are not merely personal matters but are critically linked to the future of our children. Therefore, under public responsibility, a systematic and fair system should be established to comprehensively assess teachers’ health and manage sick leave, leave of absence, and reinstatement.

Fifth, while this incident has undoubtedly caused psychological shock to many citizens, generalizing extreme cases may prolong emotional wounds. Of course, repeatedly fixating on such news or indulging in rumors is harmful to mental health. However, children fearing or avoiding school because of such incidents is not a solution. While close family and friends need sufficient time to grieve, students and school staff who learn of the news from afar should continue their daily lives.

Sixth, we psychiatrists will actively cooperate in efforts to create healthy schools. Even if mental health screenings are conducted in schools, we hope they involve more in-depth evaluations rather than simple self-questionnaires, so they can truly contribute to school mental health. We expect a system that facilitates easier access to treatment for faculty and students when needed. This is to prevent such tragedies from recurring, resulting in the loss of precious lives and psychological suffering among those around them.

We pray for the repose of the victim’s soul. We must prevent irrational fear and misunderstandings about mental illness from spreading due to such sorrow and grief. The Korean Neuropsychiatric Association will continue to strive to protect the mental health of the public and eliminate social prejudice.

February 13, 2025

Kim Dong-wook, President of the Korean Neuropsychiatric Association