Prosecutors in South Korea have formally apologized to Choi Mal-ja, who was sentenced in 1964 for biting off part of her attacker's tongue during a violent assault. Now 78, Ms. Choi has fought for decades to have her conviction overturned, an effort inspired by the country's resurgent #MeToo movement. On Wednesday, her retrial commenced in Busan, where prosecutors requested the court to annul her guilty verdict after acknowledging their failure to protect a victim. "For 61 years, the state made me live as a criminal," Ms. Choi declared outside the courthouse. A final ruling is expected on September 10, with many anticipating that her conviction will be overturned.
South Korea's Prosecutors Apologize to Woman Convicted for Self-Defense in 1964 Sexual Assault Case
South Korea's Prosecutors Apologize to Woman Convicted for Self-Defense in 1964 Sexual Assault Case
In a landmark decision, prosecutors in South Korea have issued a public apology to Choi Mal-ja, a woman convicted over 60 years ago for defending herself against an attempted rape.
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.
