S. Korean woman faces retrial after biting off rapist’s tongue

A South Korean Court Opens a Decades‑Old Sexual Violence Case

On Wednesday a judge in Busan reinvestigated a 1964 assault that had left a 19‑year‑old victim, Choi Mal‑ja, convicted for self‑defence.

The 1964 Attack

Choi was attacked by a 21‑year‑old man in Gimhae.

• The assailant forcefully pinned her to the ground.
• He forced his tongue into Choi’s mouth.
• Choi broke free by biting off about 1.5 cm (0.6 in) of the attacker’s tongue.

The Original Court Ruling

South Korea’s ruling was controversial:

• The attacker received a six‑month prison sentence for trespassing and intimidation, suspended for two years – not for attempted rape.
• Choi was convicted of grievous bodily harm and handed a 10‑month prison sentence, suspended for two years.
• The court said her actions had “exceeded the reasonable bounds of legally permissible self‑defence.”

#MeToo Revives the Case

Thirty years later the global #MeToo movement inspired Choi to challenge her 1964 conviction. South Korea’s women’s rights protests formed a new wave:

• Victory for abortion access.
• Stronger penalties for spy‑cam crimes.
• Reclaimed dignity for victims of sexual violence.

The Retrial Journey

Choi filed for a retrial in 2020. Lower courts initially rejected her petition, but an appeal ultimately persuaded South Korea’s highest court to order a retrial in 2024.

“For 61 years, the state made me live as a criminal,” Choi told reporters outside the Busan District Court before the retrial hearing.

She hoped future generations could “live in a world free from sexual violence where they can enjoy human rights and a happy life.”

Support from the Korea Women’s Hotline

Choi Sun‑hye, Executive Director of the Korea Women’s Hotline counseling centre, said the decision would “become a source of strength for other victims of sexual violence and correct past wrongs.”

Hearing and Verdict

• At the Monday hearing, the prosecution asked the court to clear her of the past conviction.
• The Busan District Court told AFP that the verdict is expected in September 2024.