In a groundbreaking decision, a South Korean court has acquitted a 79-year-old woman, Choi Mal-ja, of charges related to biting off the tongue of her attacker during a sexual assault 61 years ago.

The Busan District Court ruled that Choi’s actions were recognized as self-defense, overturning her 1964 conviction.

Choi, who was just 18 years old at the time of the incident, had been sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, for causing grievous bodily harm to her attacker.

In contrast, her attacker received a lighter sentence of six months in prison, suspended for two years, for trespassing and intimidation, but was never charged with attempted rape.

This disparity in sentencing highlights the deep-seated gender biases and societal perceptions that have long influenced the South Korean justice system.

On May 6, 1964, Choi was attacked by a 21-year-old man in the southern town of Gimhae.

The attacker pinned her to the ground, repeatedly forcing his tongue into her mouth, and at one point, blocked her nose to stop her from breathing.

Choi managed to break free by biting off about 1.5 centimeters of his tongue. Despite her ordeal, Choi was treated as the perpetrator, while her attacker was seen as the victim.

Choi’s path to exoneration has been arduous and challenging. Inspired by the global #MeToo movement, she reached out to advocacy groups in 2018 and spent about two years gathering evidence before filing a petition for a retrial.

Lower courts initially rejected her petition, citing a lack of evidence to support her claims of self-defense. However, in December 2024, the Supreme Court granted her application to reopen the case.

The Busan District Court’s ruling marks a significant shift in how the South Korean justice system approaches cases of sexual violence.

Prosecutors apologized to Choi during the retrial, acknowledging that her actions were legitimate self-defense. The court’s decision is seen as a major victory for women’s rights and a step towards creating a more just and equitable society.

“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 Kim Soo-jung, Choi’s lawyer. Choi plans to file a civil lawsuit against the state to seek compensation for the injustices she suffered.

The Korea Women’s Hotline, one of the groups that supported Choi in her campaign, believes that the verdict will pave the way to justice for victims of sexual violence.

“Going forward, women’s defensive acts will be understood as legitimate. I expect this will mean fewer women will face unjust suffering,” says Song Ran-hee, who leads the group.

“At the very least, it will send a message to victims. Even if the process you are going through now is painful and unjust, it says: ‘Your voice matters. Speak out,'” Ms. Song added.

Choi’s acquittal is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of standing up against injustice.

Her story serves as a beacon of hope for countless women who have suffered in silence, and it underscores the need for continued efforts to create a society that values and protects the rights of all individuals.