Daejeon: Education Minister Lee Ju-ho vowed Monday to come up with thorough measures to prevent the recurrence of a stabbing death of an 8-year-old student by a school teacher last week, while offering mental health support for teachers.

According to Yonhap News Agency, at a policy consultation between government officials and the ruling People Power Party, Lee stated that the amendment to a law will aim to remove from the field teachers with violent and aggressive tendencies that pose a risk of harming others. Measures will ensure that such "high-risk" teachers can take administrative leave when necessary.

Faculty members on leave will receive medical treatment through linked institutions and will be allowed to return to work only after their psychological state is confirmed, Lee explained. He also pledged to provide mental health support for teachers throughout their entire careers, including those newly hired.

Lee emphasized that stricter safety measures will be implemented for first and second-grade elementary school students participating in the "Neulbom School" program, an integrated before- and after-school day care and education program, to address the concerns of parents.

Police have indicated that the suspect, surnamed Myeong, had been receiving treatment for depression since 2018. Myeong had thought of killing herself while on sick leave that began last December before she returned to work early from her leave. She reportedly assaulted a colleague days before the killing of the student in the central city of Daejeon.