In a landmark ruling that reverberates through South Korea’s legal and social landscape, a 79-year-old woman named Choi Mal-ja has been acquitted of a crime she was convicted of 61 years ago. In May 1964, at the tender age of 18, Choi was sexually assaulted by a 21-year-old man identified only as Roh in the city of Gimhae, South Korea. During the violent attack, Choi, in a desperate act of self-defense, bit off over half an inch of her assailant’s tongue to escape. What followed was a harrowing miscarriage of justice: Choi was sentenced to 10 months in prison for grievous bodily harm, while her attacker faced minimal consequences. On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, a Busan district court overturned her conviction, declaring her actions a lawful act of self-defense. The ruling marks a historic victory for Choi and a significant moment in South Korea’s ongoing struggle to address sexual violence and reform its legal system.
The Attack and Its Immediate Aftermath
The events that shaped Choi Mal-ja’s life began on a fateful day in May 1964. At the time, South Korea was a nation grappling with post-war reconstruction, economic hardship, and deeply entrenched patriarchal norms. Choi, an 18-year-old woman from Gimhae, a small city in South Gyeongsang Province, was navigating a world where women’s voices were often silenced, and their autonomy was frequently disregarded.
On that day, Choi was attacked by Roh, a 21-year-old man who overpowered her physically. According to court records from the retrial, Roh pinned Choi to the ground, blocked her nose to restrict her breathing, and forced his tongue into her mouth during the sexual assault. In a moment of sheer survival instinct, Choi bit down, severing over half an inch of Roh’s tongue. This act allowed her to break free from her assailant and escape immediate danger. However, the consequences of her desperate act of self-preservation would haunt her for decades.
Seventeen days after the assault, Roh’s audacity escalated. He broke into Choi’s family home, wielding a knife and threatening her father. This act of intimidation was not only a continuation of his aggression but also a chilling attempt to silence Choi and her family. Rather than facing severe repercussions for his actions, Roh turned the tables by suing Choi for grievous bodily harm, claiming that her defensive act caused him significant injury. The legal system at the time, steeped in patriarchal biases, failed to recognize the context of Choi’s actions. Instead, it prioritized the injury to Roh over the trauma inflicted upon Choi.
In the original trial, the court’s ruling was a devastating blow to Choi. She was sentenced to 10 months in prison for causing grievous bodily harm, a conviction that branded her a criminal for defending herself. Meanwhile, Roh received a six-month sentence, suspended for two years, for trespassing and intimidation—effectively allowing him to walk free. The disparity in their punishments underscored the systemic biases that plagued South Korea’s legal system in the 1960s, where victims of sexual violence were often blamed, shamed, or punished for resisting their attackers.
Perhaps most shocking was the judge’s suggestion during the original trial that Choi should marry her attacker. This recommendation, unthinkable by today’s standards, was a stark reflection of the societal and legal attitudes toward sexual assault at the time. In 1960s South Korea, marriage was sometimes proposed as a “solution” to sexual violence, a way to restore social order and preserve family honor, often at the expense of the victim’s dignity and autonomy. For Choi, this suggestion compounded the trauma of the assault and the injustice of her conviction, leaving her to bear the weight of shame and stigma for decades.
The Long Road to Vindication
For 61 years, Choi Mal-ja carried the burden of her conviction and the trauma of her assault. The societal stigma attached to sexual violence victims, combined with the legal system’s failure to protect her, left deep scars. Yet, Choi’s resilience and determination to seek justice never wavered. Her fight for vindication began in earnest in 2018, inspired by South Korea’s burgeoning #MeToo movement, which ignited a national conversation about sexual violence, gender inequality, and the need for systemic reform.
The #MeToo movement, which gained momentum in South Korea in 2018, provided a platform for survivors of sexual violence to share their stories and demand accountability. High-profile cases, including those involving politicians, celebrities, and corporate leaders, exposed the pervasive nature of sexual misconduct and the inadequacies of the legal system in addressing it. For Choi, the movement was a catalyst. It gave her the courage to revisit her case and seek a retrial, not only for her own sake but also to inspire other survivors who had suffered in silence.
Choi’s journey to clear her name was fraught with challenges. The legal process for obtaining a retrial in South Korea is notoriously complex, requiring substantial evidence of judicial error or new information that could alter the original verdict. Choi, now in her late 70s, faced the daunting task of revisiting a traumatic chapter of her life while navigating a legal system that had historically failed her. She worked tirelessly with her legal team and supporters to gather evidence, reconstruct the events of 1964, and demonstrate that her actions were a legitimate act of self-defense.
Her perseverance paid off in July 2025, when a Busan district court granted her a retrial. The court’s decision to revisit the case was a significant step forward, signaling a willingness to reexamine historical injustices through a modern lens. During the retrial, the court heard detailed accounts of the assault, including the physical and emotional toll it took on Choi. Her legal team argued that her act of biting off Roh’s tongue was a proportionate response to an imminent threat to her bodily integrity and sexual self-determination. They emphasized that Choi had no other means of escape and that her actions were a direct result of the violence inflicted upon her.
The court’s ruling on September 10, 2025, was unequivocal: Choi Mal-ja’s actions were a lawful act of self-defense. The judges recognized that her response was justified given the “unjust infringement” on her bodily autonomy and the immediate danger she faced. In a rare and powerful gesture, prosecutors issued a public apology for the mistreatment Choi endured, acknowledging the “immeasurable pain and suffering” she had suffered as a result of the original conviction. This apology was not only a validation of Choi’s experience but also a broader acknowledgment of the systemic failures that allowed such injustices to occur.
A Moment of Triumph
The moment of Choi’s acquittal was one of profound emotion and celebration. Outside the Busan district court, Choi, now 79, stood tall as she declared, “I, Choi Mal-ja, am finally innocent!” Her words were a powerful testament to her resilience and the significance of the ruling. Supporters gathered around her, holding placards that read “Choi Mal-ja did it!” and “Choi Mal-ja succeeded.” The scene was one of collective triumph, as activists, advocates, and ordinary citizens celebrated a victory that transcended Choi’s individual case.
For Choi, the acquittal was more than a legal victory; it was a reclamation of her dignity and a restoration of her voice. For decades, she had lived with the stigma of being labeled a criminal, a burden that compounded the trauma of her assault. The court’s ruling lifted that weight, affirming that she was not only a survivor but also a woman who had acted courageously to protect herself. In interviews following the verdict, Choi expressed her hope that her case would inspire other victims of sexual violence to come forward and seek justice. “I wanted to give hope to those who have suffered like me,” she said. “No one should have to endure what I did.”
A Landmark Case for Self-Defense and Sexual Violence
Choi Mal-ja’s acquittal has been hailed as a landmark case in South Korea, with far-reaching implications for self-defense rights and the treatment of sexual violence cases. The ruling comes at a time when South Korea is grappling with the legacy of its patriarchal legal system and working to reform how sexual violence is addressed. The case highlights several critical issues, including the importance of recognizing self-defense in cases of sexual assault, the need to reexamine historical injustices, and the role of societal movements in driving change.
Self-Defense Rights in Sexual Violence Cases
One of the most significant aspects of Choi’s case is its affirmation of self-defense as a fundamental right for victims of sexual violence. In 1964, the concept of self-defense was narrowly interpreted, particularly in cases involving women. Victims who resisted their attackers were often penalized, as the legal system prioritized the physical harm caused to the assailant over the context of the violence. Choi’s acquittal challenges this outdated perspective, establishing a precedent that victims have the right to take reasonable measures to protect themselves from harm.
The court’s ruling explicitly recognized that Choi’s act of biting off her assailant’s tongue was proportionate to the threat she faced. This acknowledgment aligns with modern interpretations of self-defense, which emphasize the immediacy and severity of the danger faced by the victim. Legal scholars have praised the ruling as a step forward in ensuring that survivors of sexual violence are not punished for defending themselves. “This case sends a clear message,” said Kim Soo-jin, a prominent women’s rights lawyer. “Victims have the right to fight back, and the legal system must protect, not penalize, them for doing so.”
Revisiting Historical Injustices
Choi’s case also underscores the importance of revisiting historical cases to address past wrongs. The 1960s were a time when South Korea’s legal system was heavily influenced by patriarchal norms, and sexual violence was often trivialized or ignored. Victims were frequently blamed for their assaults, and societal pressures discouraged them from seeking justice. Choi’s original trial, with its suggestion that she marry her attacker, is a stark example of how these attitudes shaped judicial outcomes.
The retrial of Choi’s case reflects a growing recognition in South Korea of the need to confront these historical injustices. In recent years, the country has seen efforts to reexamine cases involving sexual violence, political persecution, and other human rights violations from the mid-20th century. Choi’s acquittal is part of this broader movement, demonstrating that it is never too late to correct past wrongs and provide justice to those who were failed by the system.
The Role of the #MeToo Movement
The #MeToo movement played a pivotal role in Choi’s journey to justice. By amplifying the voices of survivors and exposing the systemic failures that perpetuate sexual violence, the movement created a cultural and legal environment in which Choi’s case could be reexamined. The movement’s impact in South Korea has been profound, leading to changes in laws, increased accountability for perpetrators, and greater public awareness of the challenges faced by survivors.
Choi’s decision to seek a retrial in 2018 was directly inspired by the #MeToo movement. She saw in it an opportunity to challenge the stigma and silence that had surrounded her case for decades. The movement also provided her with a network of supporters, including activists, lawyers, and fellow survivors, who rallied behind her cause. Their collective efforts helped bring her case to the attention of the courts and the public, highlighting the power of grassroots movements in driving systemic change.
The Broader Context: Sexual Violence in South Korea
Choi Mal-ja’s case is not an isolated incident but rather a reflection of the broader challenges surrounding sexual violence in South Korea. Despite significant progress in recent years, the country continues to grapple with high rates of sexual violence, underreporting, and lenient sentencing for perpetrators. According to a 2023 report by the Korean Women’s Development Institute, approximately one in five women in South Korea has experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime, yet only a small fraction of cases are reported to the authorities. Social stigma, fear of retaliation, and distrust in the legal system remain significant barriers for survivors.
The legal system’s handling of sexual violence has also come under scrutiny. Historically, South Korean courts have been criticized for prioritizing the reputation of perpetrators over the rights of victims. In some cases, survivors have faced defamation lawsuits or social ostracism for speaking out. While reforms in recent years have strengthened protections for victims, including harsher penalties for perpetrators and the introduction of victim-centered policies, gaps remain in implementation and enforcement.
Choi’s case highlights the importance of addressing these systemic issues. Her acquittal sends a powerful message to survivors that their experiences are valid and that the legal system can evolve to deliver justice. It also underscores the need for continued advocacy to ensure that all survivors, regardless of when their assaults occurred, have access to justice and support.
The Personal Impact on Choi Mal-ja
For Choi Mal-ja, the acquittal is a deeply personal victory that caps a lifetime of resilience and courage. Now 79, she has spent more than six decades living with the trauma of her assault and the injustice of her conviction. The societal stigma attached to sexual violence victims in South Korea, particularly in the 1960s, meant that Choi faced not only legal consequences but also social isolation and judgment. Her determination to seek justice, despite these challenges, is a testament to her strength and resolve.
In interviews, Choi has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of her experience. “For years, I felt like I was carrying a weight that no one could see,” she said. “The conviction made me feel like I was the one who did something wrong, when all I did was try to survive.” The retrial and acquittal have allowed her to reclaim her narrative and redefine her identity, not as a victim or a criminal, but as a survivor who fought for justice.
Choi’s story has also resonated with countless others in South Korea and beyond. Her willingness to share her experience has inspired survivors to come forward and has sparked conversations about the long-term impact of sexual violence. By pursuing her case, Choi has become a symbol of hope and resilience, demonstrating that it is possible to challenge injustice and effect change, even after decades of silence.
Looking Ahead: Implications for South Korea and Beyond
The acquittal of Choi Mal-ja is a milestone in South Korea’s journey toward gender equality and justice for survivors of sexual violence. It reflects the progress the country has made in recognizing the rights of victims and the need to address historical injustices. However, it also serves as a reminder of the work that remains to be done. Sexual violence continues to be a pervasive issue, and systemic barriers still prevent many survivors from seeking justice.
The case has sparked calls for further reforms to South Korea’s legal system, including stronger protections for victims, better training for judges and prosecutors, and increased support for survivors. Activists have also called for a national effort to reexamine other historical cases of sexual violence, ensuring that victims like Choi are not forgotten.
On a global level, Choi’s story resonates as a powerful example of the universal struggle for justice in cases of sexual violence. Her case highlights the importance of self-defense rights, the need to challenge patriarchal norms, and the power of collective action in driving change. It serves as a reminder that justice delayed is not justice denied, and that survivors, no matter how much time has passed, deserve to have their voices heard.
Conclusion
The acquittal of Choi Mal-ja after 61 years is a triumph of justice, resilience, and hope. It is a victory not only for Choi but for all survivors of sexual violence who have been silenced or punished for defending themselves. Her case is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of societal movements like #MeToo in challenging systemic injustices. As South Korea continues to grapple with the legacy of its patriarchal past, Choi’s story stands as a beacon of progress, illuminating the path toward a more just and equitable future.
For Choi, the ruling is a long-overdue affirmation of her innocence and her right to protect herself. Standing outside the Busan district court, surrounded by supporters and holding her head high, she declared her victory not just for herself but for all those who have suffered in silence. “Choi Mal-ja did it!” her supporters proclaimed, and indeed, she has. Her courage, determination, and unwavering pursuit of justice have left an indelible mark on South Korea’s legal and social landscape, inspiring generations to come.
