South Korean Woman Acquitted After Decades-Old Self-Defense Case

Busan, South Korea – A South Korean woman, Choi Mal-ja, has been officially acquitted after a court reviewed her decades-old conviction for biting off the tongue of a man during an alleged sexual attack. Her case has long been seen as a landmark example of the justice system failing to recognize acts of self-defense during sexual assault.

The Original Incident

The incident occurred when Choi Mal-ja was just 18 years old. According to court records, a 21-year-old man pinned her to the ground in the town of Gimhae during what she claimed was a sexual assault. To protect herself and escape, Choi bit off about 1.5 centimeters (0.59 inches) of his tongue.

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Despite being the victim, Choi was charged with grievous bodily harm and sentenced to 10 months in prison. Her attacker, however, received a lighter sentence of six months. The court at the time ruled that her actions “exceeded the reasonable bounds” of self-defense, despite the fact that she was defending herself from an alleged sexual assault.

This decision drastically changed the course of Choi's life, turning her from a victim into an accused in the eyes of the law. She was detained for six months during the investigation and later received a suspended 10-month sentence.

Years of Struggle for Justice

After decades of living with the consequences of this ruling, Choi, now 79 years old, never gave up on clearing her name. Inspired by the global #MeToo movement, which also had an impact in South Korea, she reached out to advocacy groups in 2018. She spent about two years gathering evidence to support her case and filed a petition for a retrial.

Her path to justice was not easy. Lower courts initially rejected her petition, stating there was no evidence to support her claim of self-defense. Yet, Choi remained steadfast. “I could not let this case go unanswered. I wanted to stand up for other victims who share the same fate as mine,” she said.

Choi expressed that her fight was not just for herself, but for other women who might face sexual violence and then be punished for defending themselves. “They should not have to bear the pain alone,” she told The Korea Herald in an earlier interview.

The Retrial and Acquittal

In July 2025, a retrial for Choi Mal-ja began in the southern city of Busan. During the first hearing, prosecutors made an unusual move by apologizing to Choi and asking the court to quash her decades-old conviction.

Finally, in a landmark ruling, Choi was acquitted. Outside the courtroom, Choi and her supporters celebrated the victory. Some held placards reading, “Choi Mal-ja did it!” and “Choi Mal-ja succeeded,” while Choi expressed her gratitude for the support she had received over the years.

“I could not let this case go,” she said, reflecting on her journey. She also spoke out against those in power who she believed “abused their authority to trample the weak and manipulate the law.”

Legal and Social Significance

Choi's case has been cited in South Korean legal textbooks as a classic example of the courts failing to recognize self-defense during sexual violence. Her lawyer, Kim Soo-jung, called the original conviction a “misjudgement due to gender bias and societal perceptions.”

“Thanks to Choi Mal-ja's relentless fight without ever giving up, the prosecution and judiciary had the opportunity to correct that error today,” said Ms. Kim. She also mentioned that Choi plans to file a civil lawsuit against the state to seek compensation.

Song Ran-hee, head of the Korea Women’s Hotline, believes that this verdict will pave the way for future justice for sexual assault victims. She explained, “Going forward, women’s defensive acts will be understood as legitimate. I expect this will mean fewer women will face unjust suffering.”

Ms. Song also emphasized that Choi’s fight sends a strong message to victims: “Even if the process you are going through now is painful and unjust, it says: ‘Your voice matters. Speak out.’”

Past Cases of Self-Defense

Choi’s case is not the only example of women using force to defend themselves during sexual attacks in South Korea. At least two other cases have been recorded where women bit off the tongues of their attackers—one in 1988 in the city of Andong and another in 2020 in Busan. In both cases, the courts recognized the women’s actions as legitimate self-defense and ruled in their favor.

These cases show that while Choi’s conviction was once seen as controversial, legal attitudes toward women defending themselves in cases of sexual assault are slowly evolving in South Korea.

A Message to Other Victims

Choi’s decades-long battle is an inspiring story for women and other victims of sexual violence around the world. By challenging her conviction, she not only cleared her own name but also helped create a path for justice for other victims who might otherwise remain unheard.

Her case demonstrates the importance of persistence and advocacy. It also highlights the need for legal systems to recognize the reality of self-defense in situations of sexual violence, ensuring that victims are protected rather than punished for defending themselves.

Now, at 79 years old, Choi continues to speak out against injustice and fight for the rights of victims. Her journey shows that even when the system fails, determination and support from advocacy groups can eventually lead to justice.

Her victory is more than a personal triumph—it is a milestone in the recognition of women’s rights in South Korea. It also serves as a reminder that the voices of victims matter, and that the law must protect those who defend themselves from harm.

Choi Mal-ja’s story is a powerful example of courage and perseverance. From being wrongly convicted as a teenager to being acquitted more than six decades later, her journey highlights the importance of justice, self-defense, and advocacy for victims of sexual violence. Her fight reminds society that the law should serve the vulnerable and ensure fairness for all.