The Democratic Party of Korea will create the so-called "Ha-neul Act" regarding the murder case of Kim Ha-neul (8), which occurred at an elementary school in Daejeon on the 10th. The main content includes the mandatory establishment of a health evaluation committee for educators who are unable to conduct educational activities due to mental illness and the application of strict assessment criteria upon returning to work after a leave of absence.
Moon Jeong-bok, the opposition secretary of the National Assembly Education Committee, noted during a policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 13th, "Based on the result of the meeting with the school principal, it was difficult to quickly separate a teacher exhibiting abnormal signs due to existing regulations," and stated, "We will establish measures to intervene through the enactment of the 'Ha-neul Act.'"
Moon stated, "The perpetrator was able to return to work without any sanctions after submitting a diagnosis report missing any issues just 20 days after applying for a leave of absence," adding, "There was insufficient system to early recognize teachers who are unable to conduct normal educational activities and to respond appropriately."
The perpetrator, Teacher A, was known to have exhibited violent behavior, such as twisting the arm of a fellow teacher, even before the incident occurred. The teacher took a leave of absence at the recommendation of the school authorities and returned to work as a subject teacher in December of last year. It was reported that a review committee, which should determine the appropriateness of the return, did not convene during this process.
Moon said, "For educators unable to conduct normal activities, we will mandate the establishment of a health evaluation committee and ensure that measures such as retention of authority or exclusion from duties can be carried out smoothly," asserting, "When returning to work after a leave of absence due to mental illness, strict assessment criteria will be applied, and we will improve the process to ensure that there is not only the submission of a simple diagnosis report but also separate interviews and evaluations."
He emphasized, "To protect students, we will improve the in-school care system and establish safe dismissal procedures," and stated, "We will recommend responsible measures from the government to ensure that school members can focus on learning and education in a safe school environment."