'Daejeon Elementary School Murder Teacher' Dismissed... Still Receives Half Pension

Dismissal, the Highest Level of Disciplinary Action, Finalized
Pension Eligibility Revoked Only for Crimes Like Insurrection
Murder Not Included Among Disqualifying Offenses

Myung Jaewan, the teacher who murdered 8-year-old Kim Haneul with a weapon at an elementary school in Daejeon this past February, has been dismissed from his position. Although this is the highest level of disciplinary action, Myung will still be able to receive a civil servant pension for life, albeit at a 50% reduced rate.

Elementary school teacher Myung Jaewan, suspected of murdering 7-year-old elementary student Kim Haneul. Provided by Daejeon Police Agency.

According to Yonhap News on the 19th, citing the Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education, a disciplinary committee was convened for Myung on April 8, resulting in a decision for dismissal, which was subsequently communicated to him. If the individual subject to disciplinary action wishes to contest the decision, they may request an administrative review; however, since Myung did not pursue any such procedure, the dismissal has been finalized.

Nevertheless, even with the highest level of disciplinary action?dismissal?Myung is expected to receive a civil servant pension (retirement benefit) at a 50% reduced rate. Under the current Civil Servant Pension Act, eligibility for pension benefits remains even after dismissal, with only a reduction in the amount (up to 50%), not a complete loss of pension rights.

Pension eligibility is revoked only if a civil servant is convicted and sentenced to imprisonment or greater for crimes such as insurrection, treason, rebellion, espionage, or violations of the National Security Act while in office. Serious crimes such as murder are not included among the offenses that result in loss of pension eligibility.

As a result, Myung, who was appointed in 1999 and has served as an elementary school teacher for over 20 years, will be able to receive a monthly civil servant pension at a 50% reduced rate starting at age 62, or opt for a lump-sum payment based on his years of service as a teacher.

Myung is accused of luring first-grader Kim Haneul, who was on her way home after finishing after-school care on February 10 at an elementary school in Daejeon, into an audiovisual room and murdering her with a weapon. Myung had gone on sick leave in December of last year due to mental health issues, but after being deemed fit to return to work by a doctor, he resumed his duties after about 20 days and then committed the crime.

The first trial for Myung is scheduled to be held at 10 a.m. on the 26th at the Daejeon District Court. The initial hearing was originally set for last month but was postponed once due to a change in legal counsel and other reasons.

Meanwhile, the family of Kim Haneul has filed a damages lawsuit worth 400 million won against Myung, the principal, and others. Kim Sangnam, the attorney representing the bereaved family (Y.K. Law Firm), stated, "The family continues to suffer from extreme pain," and explained, "Not only does Myung bear liability for damages, but the principal, as the person responsible for management, and Daejeon City, as the employer, also bear responsibility for ultimately failing to prevent this incident."