Apology Issued After South Korean Woman Convicted for Defending Herself: Biting Man’s Tongue During Assault

Prosecutors in South Korea recently apologized to Choi Mal-ja, a woman convicted in 1964 for defending herself during a sexual attack. At just 18, Choi fought back against her assailant by biting off part of his tongue while he tried to rape her. Shockingly, she received a 10-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years. Meanwhile, her attacker faced minimal punishment, receiving only six months in prison for trespassing and intimidation.

Choi fought to overturn her conviction for over six decades. Inspired by South Korea’s #MeToo movement, she took action, seeking justice for herself and voicing hopes for a better future for younger generations. At her retrial in Busan, prosecutors expressed regret and requested the court to dismiss her guilty verdict.

“I lived as a criminal for 61 years,” Choi said outside the courtroom. She believes that future generations deserve to live free from the fear of sexual violence. The Chief Prosecutor of Busan, Jeong Myeong-won, characterized the pain inflicted on Choi as “indescribable,” recognizing that she is a victim who should have been protected.

Choi’s retrial was a long time coming. After petitioning for a retrial in 2020, her case gained renewed attention. Initially dismissed by lower courts, it received support from legal advocates and eventually reached the Supreme Court, which allowed the retrial to proceed. Observers expect a ruling on September 10, with many hoping for her conviction to be overturned.

Choi’s case has become a historical lesson on the failings of the legal system in recognizing self-defense in sexual violence cases. Her story has been taught in legal textbooks, highlighting how society often fails to protect victims.

After the recent hearing, Choi celebrated a small victory by embracing supporters who have stood with her throughout her fight. She exclaimed, “We won!” Her journey sheds light on the larger issue of how self-defense is viewed in cases of sexual violence, and echoes the words of South Korean poet Kim So-wol: “Justice is alive in this country.”

In 2022, 92,000 sexual assault cases were reported in South Korea, according to the National Police Agency. This stark figure underscores the need for continual change in how victims are treated in the legal system. Choi’s story, now more than half a century old, still resonates today, reminding us that the fight for justice is ongoing.

For more insights into the #MeToo movement in South Korea, check out this Korea Herald article.

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