According to police, the teacher in her 40s confessed that she was searching for targets for her knife attack last Monday and ended up coaxing the girl into an extracurricular room after class, telling her she had a book for her.
After the rampage, she reportedly attempted suicide, but it was not fatal. She is currently recovering after emergency surgery.
The suspect, who had shown signs of violent behavior before the incident, is believed to have planned the crime, purchasing a knife in advance due to her anger over being excluded from teaching assignments.
She had been receiving treatment for depression for several years and returned to work late last year after taking a leave of absence.
Police raided her home, searched her vehicle, and have been analyzing her phone records. They plan to arrest her once she is discharged from the hospital.
The frightening incident has sparked nationwide outrage, raising concerns about school safety and the need for better monitoring of teachers' mental health.
Later in the day, Acting President Choi Sang-mok visited the child's memorial altar to offer condolences to her family.
"With the spring back-to-school season just around the corner, I will urge the Ministry of Education and relevant agencies to ensure a safe environment for students," he pledged.
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