She Bit Off Her Attacker’s Tongue to Fend Off Rape — and Was Unfairly Branded a Criminal for 61 Years

An 80-year-old woman in South Korea, Choi Mal-ja, has been fighting for justice for 61 years after being unfairly branded as a criminal for defending herself during a violent sexual attack. In 1964, at the age of 18, Choi bit off a part of the tongue of a 21-year-old man who attempted to rape her in Busan, South Korea. Shockingly, while Choi was convicted of aggravated bodily injury and sentenced to 10 months in prison, her attacker received a light sentence for trespassing and intimidation, with all rape charges against him dropped.

After being inspired by the #MeToo movement, Choi tirelessly campaigned for her conviction to be overturned. Finally, prosecutors issued a public apology during her retrial, acknowledging their failure to protect her as a sexual violence victim. Senior prosecutor Jeong Myeong-won expressed deep remorse for the pain and suffering inflicted on Choi, stating, “The prosecution failed in its role and went in the opposite direction.”

In a show of resilience and determination, Choi persisted in seeking justice, even after facing initial rejection when petitioning for a retrial in 2020, 56 years after the traumatic incident. Eventually, the Supreme Court granted her the opportunity for a retrial three years later, which commenced on July 23. During the retrial, prosecutors urged the court to overturn Choi’s guilty verdict, recognising the injustice that had persisted for over six decades.

Speaking outside the courtroom, Choi emotionally expressed the impact of being unjustly labelled as a criminal for over 60 years. She thanked her supporters and asserted, “We won!” The momentous occasion was a significant vindication for Choi, who believed in the power of seeking justice and holding authorities accountable. She highlighted the importance of the prosecution acknowledging their mistake, signalling hope for justice prevailing in the country.

The final ruling on Choi Mal-ja’s case is scheduled for September 10, with expectations running high for the court to overturn her conviction and restore her innocence. This pivotal moment marks the culmination of a lifelong battle for Choi, who stood her ground against societal stigma and fought for her truth to be acknowledged. Her story serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of survivors and the enduring fight for justice in cases of sexual assault and violence.

For individuals who have experienced sexual assault, the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or rainn.org offers support and resources. Choi Mal-ja’s journey exemplifies the strength and courage it takes to confront injustices and strive for accountability, inspiring hope for a more just and compassionate society.