[The Police File] Let's Use "Therapy" Instead of "Psychiatric Treatment"

The tragic murder of Kim Haneul, a 7-year-old girl, at an elementary school in Gwanjeo-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon on February 10, 2025, sent shockwaves throughout South Korean society. The incident not only raised fears that schools may no longer be safe spaces, but it also sparked a full-scale discussion about teachers' mental health. In response, the so-called "Haneuli Act" is being proposed to immediately intervene and separate high-risk teachers.

The intent of this legislation is clear: to identify teachers who are struggling to perform their duties and to take appropriate action as early as possible. However, there are doubts as to whether the bill's focus on "psychological evaluation" and "restrictions on reinstatement" alone will resolve the issue. The fundamental problem is not whether teachers can return to work, but rather the reality that it is difficult for them to receive proper psychiatric care and the social stigma that discourages them from seeking help.

This reluctance to seek psychiatric treatment is widespread not only among teachers but throughout Korean society. Mental health issues can affect anyone, but the moment someone acknowledges them, they risk being labeled as a "problematic person." Many people worry that having a psychiatric treatment record at work could negatively impact their promotion or evaluation, and it is common for individuals to hide such information even from family and friends.

In relation to this incident, if the approach is simply to "identify and remove high-risk teachers," it may actually drive teachers to avoid psychiatric care even more. Mental health management should be preventive, and it should become a cultural norm to seek professional help before problems become severe. However, in South Korea today, psychiatric treatment is still seen as a "last resort."

Teachers experience significant stress due to high workloads, conflicts with parents and students, and repeated administrative burdens. Rather than excluding teachers deemed "dangerous" through psychological evaluations, it is more important to ensure that they can regularly manage their mental health. If issues are found during regular psychological assessments, job performance may be restricted, but who would honestly disclose their mental health status in such a situation? Mental health care should be as accessible and routine as dental treatment or health checkups.

Abroad, the concept of "therapy" is more widely accepted than "psychiatric treatment." In the United States, people typically consult a psychotherapist before seeing a psychiatrist. This contrasts with the reality in Korea, where the stigma attached to psychiatric treatment deters people from seeking help. By adopting terms such as "mental wellness clinic," "therapy center," or "mental wellness center," we can help normalize psychiatric care as a part of general health management rather than something extraordinary.

Similarly, it is important to emphasize that teachers receiving psychiatric care should not be categorized as high-risk, but rather that it is an essential process for maintaining a healthy educational environment. As the "Haneuli Act" moves forward, the crucial point we must not overlook is the need to establish a system that prevents problems before they arise.

The true solution is not to identify and exclude teachers, but to create an environment where mental health can be properly cared for. It is time to change our perceptions of mental health and move toward a healthier society.