Crime & justice

South Korean Woman Acquitted in 1964 Self-Defense Case

Published SEP 10 2025

Story

Above: Choi Mal-ja. Image credit: Yonhap/AFP/Getty Images via The Guardian

The Facts

A South Korean court has acquitted a 78-year-old woman, overturning a decades-old conviction in which she was found guilty of biting off part of a man's tongue during an alleged sexual assault.
The Korea Times
Korea Herald
Fox 28 Spokane
In May 1964, Choi Mal-ja, then 18, was attacked by a 21-year-old man in Gimhae, South Korea, during which he allegedly pinned her down and forced his tongue into her mouth, leading her to bite off about 1.5 centimeters of his tongue to escape.
The New York Times
The Chosun Daily
BBC News
Following the incident, Choi was arrested and charged with causing grievous bodily harm. Meanwhile, the attacker received a suspended six-month sentence for trespassing and intimidation, with no conviction for attempted rape.
The Chosun Daily
Independent
During her original trial in 1965, court authorities required Choi to undergo a public virginity test and she faced suggestions from investigators that she should marry her attacker.
The New York Times
Independent
Inspired by the #MeToo movement, Choi filed for a retrial in 2020. However, lower courts initially dismissed her petitions until the Supreme Court intervened in December 2023, finding that the original trial was tainted by bias and procedural injustice.
The Straits Times
Guardian
Independent
A South Korean court reopened her case in July. On Wednesday, the Busan District Court acquitted Choi and recognized her actions as justified self-defense to protect her bodily integrity and sexual self-determination, overturning her decades-old conviction.
The Chosun Daily
The Straits Times
BBC News

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

Choi's acquittal finally brings justice after six decades and shows that courts are now recognizing the right of victims to defend themselves against sexual assault. This verdict might inspire others to seek justice and challenge outdated societal biases.

ChosunBiz

Guardian

Narrative B

Even with the acquittal, the case exposes persistent gaps in legal protection for victims of sexual violence, as many still fear retaliation or being treated as criminals for fighting back, signaling the system's need for deeper reform.