The dramatic case dates back to 1964 when an 18-year-old Choi Mal-ja was attacked by a man who assaulted her with the intent to rape. In an act of self-defense, she bit off a portion of his tongue, an action that ultimately led to her being penalized with a severe sentence compared to her attacker, who received only a six-month suspended sentence for lesser charges. Ms. Choi's case has been frequently referenced in South Korean legal studies concerning the failure of the judiciary to recognize the legitimacy of self-defense in instances of sexual violence.
Rallying for justice, Ms. Choi connected with advocacy groups inspired by the #MeToo movement in the late 2010s and petitioned for a retrial. After initial rejection by lower courts, she achieved a breakthrough when the Supreme Court allowed her case to proceed. This week, her perseverance was met with a significant shift in acknowledgment from the prosecution, reinstating her faith in the justice system. "If the prosecution is admitting its mistake even now, then I believe justice is alive in this country," stated Choi following the hearing.
Rallying for justice, Ms. Choi connected with advocacy groups inspired by the #MeToo movement in the late 2010s and petitioned for a retrial. After initial rejection by lower courts, she achieved a breakthrough when the Supreme Court allowed her case to proceed. This week, her perseverance was met with a significant shift in acknowledgment from the prosecution, reinstating her faith in the justice system. "If the prosecution is admitting its mistake even now, then I believe justice is alive in this country," stated Choi following the hearing.
