Rotten Mango Podcast Episode Summary
Title: Korean Teacher Laughs After Stabbing 8 Yr-Old Student To Death Because “I Want To Die With Someone”
Host: Stephanie Soo
Release Date: March 30, 2025
Source: Rotten Mango Podcast (SiriusXM Podcasts+)
Introduction
In this harrowing episode of Rotten Mango, host Stephanie Soo delves into a tragic and disturbing true crime case from South Korea. The episode meticulously unpacks the events leading up to and following the brutal murder of an 8-year-old girl, Han Il, by a seemingly ordinary school teacher, Chaewon Myung. Soo explores the psychological motivations behind the crime, the ensuing public and media reaction, and the broader implications for South Korea's education system and mental health policies.
Case Overview
Date of Incident: February 10, 2025
Location: Daegu, South Korea
Victim: Han Il, 8 years old
Perpetrator: Chaewon Myung, 48-year-old elementary school teacher
The episode begins by setting the scene of Han Il's disappearance from her aftercare class, highlighting the school's stringent security measures that paradoxically made her vanishing all the more baffling. Within an hour and a half, both Han Il and Chaewon Myung are found in a locked audio-video room, with Han Il deceased from multiple stab wounds and Myung alive but covered in her daughter's blood.
Dennis Quaid (Transcript Speaker): "Within hours, this case is everywhere. It is one of the biggest cases in the news cycle in South Korea but also international headlines."
[Timestamp: 29:05]
The Murders
Soo narrates the sequence of events that led to the murders. On the day of the incident, Han Il was waiting to be picked up from her afterschool program when she failed to return after the designated time. Panic ensued as teachers and authorities scoured the school, but Han Il was nowhere to be found. It wasn't until two people were rushed to the emergency room that the horrifying reality emerged: Han Il had been stabbed to death by her teacher, Chaewon Myung.
Quaid: "Eight year old Hanul was stabbed to death by a teacher from her school inside the ICU unit."
[Timestamp: 46:25]
Investigation and Discovery
The investigation reveals that Myung had a history of severe depression, having been granted a six-month medical leave just 20 days before the murder. Despite recommendations for extended leave, Myung returned to work abruptly, citing improved mental health. Surveillance footage captured her buying a knife on the day of the murder, indicating premeditation.
Quaid: "Based on how little clues there are right now of where Han Il is, Kim realizes someone is with Ha Nul."
[Timestamp: 17:39]
The discovery of Myung in the audio-video room with Han Il leads to immediate media attention and public outrage. Myung's calm demeanor and subsequent laughter in the hospital bed further mystify investigators and the public alike.
Quaid: "The teacher is laying there on an oxygen respirator...the second that they take the tubes out of her, when she's stable enough, the teacher starts laughing."
[Timestamp: 27:47]
Public and Media Reaction
The case swiftly becomes a national and international sensation, with major news outlets like BBC, CBS, and CNN covering the story extensively. South Korean netizens express intense frustration not only over the brutal crime but also towards the perceived failures in the education and mental health systems that may have contributed to Myung's actions.
Identity of the Perpetrator
Initially, Myung's identity remains undisclosed, leading to rampant speculation and accusations from netizens demanding transparency. After a month, her identity is revealed, shocking many who found her appearance incongruent with the heinous crime.
Quaid: "She looks so kind and friendly. People are saying, if I saw her on the street, I would have gone with her."
[Timestamp: 31:09]
Societal Implications and Reforms
The episode delves into the broader issues within South Korea's education system, highlighting the immense pressure on both students and teachers. Overworked teachers, lack of adequate mental health support, and a culture that prioritizes student performance over educator well-being are scrutinized as potential factors leading to the tragedy.
Han Il's Law
In the aftermath, Han Il’s father advocates for the creation of "Han Il's Law," aiming to implement stricter mental health evaluations for teachers and mandatory leave procedures when signs of mental instability are detected. While many support the intent behind the law, it faces significant controversy regarding privacy invasion and the potential stigmatization of mental health among educators.
Quaid: "The Han Il law is highly controversial...Trust many netizens think it's not well thought out enough, like we're rushing into it."
[Timestamp: 84:27]
Online Backlash Against Han Il's Father
Unexpectedly, the focus shifts to Han Il’s father, Kim, who faces online hostility for his past comments on gaming forums. Despite having no direct connection to the crime, a subset of Korean netizens scrutinizes his digital footprint, leading to unwarranted accusations and harassment. This backlash underscores a disturbing trend where victims' families are vilified, diverting attention from systemic issues.
Quaid: "Some netizens speculate that he might have gone on to harm more people... People are making it seem like he's worse than the perpetrator."
[Timestamp: 55:49]
Conclusion and Reflections
Stephanie Soo wraps up the episode by reflecting on the complexities of the case and the societal tendencies to scapegoat victims' families. She emphasizes the need for systemic reforms in education and mental health support to prevent such tragedies in the future. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching impacts of unaddressed mental health issues and the importance of fostering supportive environments within educational institutions.
Quaid: "Regardless of how one feels of if the Hanner bill is going to help or hurt the system, I do think that there's lots of changes that could be made to it to benefit the teachers and the students and the parents and have a better educational system."
[Timestamp: 82:35]
Key Takeaways
- Mental Health Support: The critical need for comprehensive mental health evaluations and support systems for educators.
- Education System Pressure: The detrimental effects of an overly competitive education system on both students and teachers.
- Public Perception: The challenges victims' families face in garnering sympathy amidst societal and online hostility.
- Legislative Action: The potential and pitfalls of implementing laws aimed at preventing similar tragedies.
Notable Quotes
-
Dennis Quaid:
"Eight year old Hanul was stabbed to death by a teacher from her school inside the ICU unit."
[Timestamp: 46:25] -
Dennis Quaid:
"She looks so kind and friendly. People are saying, if I saw her on the street, I would have gone with her."
[Timestamp: 31:09] -
Dennis Quaid:
"Regardless of how one feels of if the Hanner bill is going to help or hurt the system, I do think that there's lots of changes that could be made to it to benefit the teachers and the students and the parents and have a better educational system."
[Timestamp: 82:35]
Final Thoughts
This episode of Rotten Mango is a compelling examination of a deeply unsettling crime and its ramifications on society. Stephanie Soo effectively highlights the multifaceted issues surrounding mental health, educational pressures, and the societal tendency to shift blame onto victims' families. For listeners interested in true crime and its broader implications, this episode offers a thorough and thought-provoking analysis of the dark undercurrents within modern education systems.
Note: For continued updates on this case and more in-depth discussions, subscribe to Rotten Mango on SiriusXM Podcasts+ and visit siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.