In a landmark decision, a South Korean court has acquitted Choi Mal-ja, a 79-year-old woman convicted in 1965 for biting off part of her attacker’s tongue during a sexual assault.
The ruling, delivered by Busan’s District Court, marks a significant victory for women’s rights, overturning a decades-old conviction that had labeled Choi’s defensive act as excessive.
The case, reignited by the #MeToo movement, highlights evolving perspectives on self-defense and justice for victims of sexual violence in South Korea.
In 1964, Choi, then 19, was attacked in Gimhae by a 21-year-old man who pinned her down and forcibly kissed her, blocking her nose to prevent breathing.
Choi escaped by biting off 1.5cm of his tongue, but the court at the time convicted her of grievous bodily harm, imposing a 10-month suspended sentence.
Her attacker received a lighter penalty for trespassing and intimidation.
The recent ruling declared Choi’s actions “justifiable self-defence,” acknowledging her right to protect her bodily integrity.
Choi’s fight for justice gained traction after the 2017 #MeToo movement inspired her to challenge the 1965 verdict.
Despite initial rejections, her persistence led to a 2024 retrial ordered by South Korea’s top court.
Women’s rights groups, including the Korea Women’s Hotline, supported her, celebrating the verdict as a step toward recognizing women’s defensive actions as legitimate.
The ruling follows other cases where courts upheld similar acts of self-defense by women.
The acquittal has sparked hope for other victims of sexual violence.
Choi, surrounded by supporters waving placards, expressed her desire to inspire others, stating:
Her lawyers now plan to seek state compensation for the damages she endured.
This decision underscores South Korea’s growing recognition of women’s rights, influenced by protests addressing issues like abortion access and spycam crimes.