South Korean Woman Acquitted After 61 Years for Biting Off Attacker's Tongue

On September 10, 2025, a South Korean court acquitted Choi Mal-ja, a woman who had been convicted six decades earlier for biting off part of a man's tongue during an attempted sexual assault. The incident occurred in 1964 when Choi, then 19, was attacked by a 21-year-old man in Gimhae. He pinned her down and forced his tongue into her mouth, blocking her nose to prevent her from breathing. In an act of self-defense, Choi bit off approximately 1.5 centimeters of his tongue, managing to escape. Despite her actions, Choi was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm and sentenced to 10 months in prison, which was suspended for two years. Her attacker received a mere six-month suspended sentence for trespassing and intimidation, but was not charged with attempted rape.

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The Busan District Court's recent ruling overturned Choi's 1965 conviction, declaring her actions as "justifiable self-defense" under South Korean law. The court stated that her actions were an attempt to escape an unjust infringement on her bodily integrity and sexual self-determination. This decision marks a significant shift in the legal recognition of women's self-defense in cases of sexual violence, reflecting broader societal changes influenced by the #MeToo movement.

The Guardian

Choi's legal battle gained momentum after she filed for a retrial in 2020, inspired by the global #MeToo movement that began in 2017. Although her initial petitions were rejected by lower courts, the Supreme Court ordered a retrial in 2024. During the retrial, prosecutors publicly apologized to Choi, acknowledging the "immeasurable pain and suffering" she endured due to the mishandling of her case.

New York Times

Choi's case has become emblematic of the struggle against gender bias in South Korea's legal system. Women's rights groups, including the Korea Women’s Hotline, have rallied behind her, viewing her acquittal as a potential turning point for other victims of sexual violence. Song Ran-hee, head of the Korea Women’s Hotline, expressed hope that this ruling would lead to a greater understanding of women's defensive actions as legitimate, potentially reducing the unjust suffering faced by women in similar situations.

Korean woman who bit off attacker’s tongue is acquitted 61 years later

Following her acquittal, Choi announced plans to seek compensation from the state for the damages she suffered due to her wrongful conviction. Her case joins a small number of instances in South Korea where women's defensive actions have been legally validated, highlighting ongoing issues of misogyny and bias within the legal framework.

Korean woman who bit off attacker’s tongue is acquitted 61 years later

Choi's long journey for justice serves as a source of hope for many victims of sexual violence, as she stated, “For the victims who shared the same fate as mine, I wanted to be a source of hope for them.” Her story underscores the importance of recognizing self-defense in cases of sexual violence and the need for continued advocacy for women's rights in South Korea.

Korean woman who bit off attacker’s tongue is acquitted 61 years later