Historic Court Decision
A South Korean court has officially overturned the decades-old conviction of Choi Mal-ja, a woman jailed in 1964 for biting off part of her rapist’s tongue while escaping a violent assault.
The 1964 Attack
On a May evening in Gimhae, then 18-year-old Choi was attacked by a 21-year-old man, identified only as Roh. According to court records, he pinned her to the ground, blocked her breathing by covering her nose, and forced his tongue into her mouth.
Fight for Survival
Desperate to escape, Choi bit down hard, severing more than half an inch of Roh’s tongue. She managed to flee the scene, but her ordeal was far from over.
Retaliation From Her Attacker
Seventeen days later, Roh broke into Choi’s family home and threatened to stab her father. Instead of facing full justice for his actions, he turned the tables by suing Choi, accusing her of “inflicting grievous bodily harm.”
Convicted, While the Attacker Walked Free
Incredibly, the courts sided against Choi. She was sentenced to 10 months in prison. Roh, meanwhile, was handed only a six-month sentence, suspended for two years, for trespassing and intimidation.
Lifelong Stigma
The ruling Choi branded a criminal and forced her to carry the weight of the conviction for nearly six decades. At the time, survivors of sexual assault in South Korea faced severe social stigma and little legal protection.
Retrial Brings Justice
On Wednesday, Busan District Court finally cleared Choi’s name in a retrial, declaring her actions an act of lawful self-defence. Judge Park Min-jae ruled that her response was “a proportionate measure against an unjust infringement on her bodily integrity and sexual self-determination.”
Emotional Reaction
Following the decision, Choi, now 79, shouted outside the courthouse: “I, Choi Mal-ja, am finally innocent!”
Supporters Celebrate
Dozens of her supporters gathered outside, holding placards that read: “Choi Mal-ja did it!” and “Choi Mal-ja succeeded!” Many saw the verdict as a long-overdue acknowledgement of her bravery.
Prosecutors Issue Apology
Prosecutors admitted they had mishandled the case and apologised for the “immeasurable pain and suffering” inflicted on Choi by the wrongful conviction.
A Culture of Distrust
During her original trial, Choi’s testimony was openly questioned. Judges asked whether she felt affection for her attacker, with one even suggesting she should marry him.
Inspired by #MeToo
Choi began her fight for retrial in 2018, encouraged by the #MeToo movement. “For the victims who shared the same fate as mine, I wanted to be a source of hope,” she said.
Decades of Silence
For years, she was advised to give up her case. Friends and acquaintances told her it was like “hitting a rock with eggs.” Still, she persisted.
Legal Recognition
The retrial marks a rare instance of South Korean courts revisiting historic sexual violence cases. Analysts say it could set an important precedent for other survivors seeking justice decades later.
Women’s Rights Advocates React
Activists welcomed the decision, calling it a “landmark moment” in South Korea’s slow but growing recognition of women’s rights and sexual autonomy.
Changing Attitudes
In recent years, South Korea has seen a cultural shift, with survivors of sexual assault increasingly willing to speak out against powerful men, particularly since the global #MeToo wave.
Symbol of Resilience
Choi’s victory is seen not only as personal justice but as a broader symbol of resilience for survivors across the country.
Still Haunted by the Past
Despite the ruling, Choi says the decades of being treated as a criminal have left permanent scars. She hopes her acquittal will allow her to “finally live in peace.”
Remembering the Injustice
Her story remains a stark reminder of how the justice system once failed survivors — and how long it can take for wrongs to be corrected.
Looking Ahead
Choi’s legal team said they hope her case will inspire further reforms in South Korea’s handling of sexual assault cases and wrongful convictions.
