Apology Issued to S. Korean Woman Convicted for Self-Defense in 1964 Assault Case

Fri Jul 25 2025 17:14:58 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Apology Issued to S. Korean Woman Convicted for Self-Defense in 1964 Assault Case

Prosecutors recognize injustice in Choi Mal-ja's conviction after more than six decades, as a retrial progresses.


Choi Mal-ja, who once faced prison for defending herself against an attacker, celebrates a potential legal victory as prosecutors issue an apology for her wrongful conviction.

Choi Mal-ja, now 78 years old, is finally receiving the acknowledgment she has sought for over 60 years concerning her conviction for biting off part of her attacker’s tongue. In 1964, she was assaulted by a man who tried to rape her when she was just 18, leading her to defend herself in a desperate act of survival. The legal system back then penalized her for her self-defense, sentencing her to 10 months in prison which was suspended for two years.

Her case remained a controversial point in South Korea’s judicial history, often cited as a failure to recognize the rights of victims in cases of sexual violence. Amidst the recent resurgence of the #MeToo movement in South Korea, Ms. Choi began to actively pursue justice for her past, leading to a retrial that commenced in Busan. The recent developments saw prosecutors issue a formal apology, addressing Choi's suffering and requesting the court to overturn her original guilty verdict.

In her remarks following the court proceedings, Choi expressed a blend of disbelief and hope, stating, "For 61 years, the state has made me live as a criminal," while also emphasizing her desire for future generations to experience a life free from the threat of sexual violence. The Chief Prosecutor of Busan, Jeong Myeong-won, acknowledged the grave misjudgment in her initial sentencing, highlighting the intense emotional scars the state inflicted upon her as a victim of crime.

As court observers anticipate a decision set for September 10, Ms. Choi’s case has drawn significant attention, with her resilience inspiring many. "Justice is alive in this country," she proclaimed while celebrating the support she received from advocacy groups during the court hearing. Her ongoing campaign reflects broader societal changes in South Korea, as victims of sexual violence increasingly seek justice and the recognition they deserve.

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