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 61 years earlier for biting off part of her attacker’s tongue during a sexual assault. The Busan District Court ruled that Choi's actions constituted "justifiable self-defense," overturning her 1965 conviction for grievous bodily harm. At the time of the incident in 1964, Choi was 19 years old and was attacked by a 21-year-old man in Gimhae, who pinned her down and forced his tongue into her mouth while blocking her nose. In a desperate attempt to escape, she bit off approximately 1.5 cm (0.59 inches) of his tongue.

Daily MailKorean woman cleared 61 years after biting attacker’s tongue in self-defenceThe GuardianWoman who bit off attacker’s tongue finally freedWJZ - CBS BaltimoreKorean woman who bit off attacker’s tongue is acquitted 61 years later

Choi's original conviction was part of a contentious legal landscape in South Korea, where her attacker received a mere six-month suspended sentence for trespassing and intimidation, with no charges for attempted rape. Choi was sentenced to 10 months in prison, also suspended for two years. The case has been frequently cited in South Korean legal textbooks as an example of the judiciary's failure to recognize legitimate self-defense in sexual violence cases.

Woman who bit off attacker’s tongue finally freedThe GuardianWJZ - CBS BaltimoreKorean woman who bit off attacker’s tongue is acquitted 61 years laterDaily MailKorean woman cleared 61 years after biting attacker’s tongue in self-defence

Choi's fight for justice gained momentum after the #MeToo movement inspired her to challenge her conviction. She filed for a retrial in 2020, but her initial petitions were rejected by lower courts. It wasn't until December 2024 that South Korea's Supreme Court ordered a retrial, acknowledging the need to revisit the case.

WJZ - CBS Baltimore

Choi Mal-ja, now 79, has become a symbol of resilience for victims of sexual violence in South Korea. Her legal team, led by lawyer Kim Soo-jung, has been instrumental in advocating for her rights and seeking justice. Women's rights organizations, including the Korea Women’s Hotline, have supported Choi throughout her campaign, emphasizing the importance of recognizing self-defense in cases of sexual violence.

Woman who bit off attacker’s tongue finally freedWJZ - CBS BaltimoreKorean woman who bit off attacker’s tongue is acquitted 61 years laterKorean woman cleared 61 years after biting attacker’s tongue in self-defenceThe GuardianDaily Mail

Following the ruling, Choi expressed her hope to be a source of inspiration for other victims, stating, “Sixty-one years ago, in a situation where I could understand nothing, the victim became the perpetrator, and my fate was sealed as a criminal.” Prosecutors at the retrial publicly apologized to Choi and requested the court to overturn her conviction, acknowledging the injustice she faced.

Daily Mail

Despite the ruling being celebrated by many, it also highlights the systemic issues within South Korea's legal system regarding gender bias and the treatment of sexual assault victims. Critics have pointed out that Choi's case reflects a broader societal failure to protect victims and recognize their rights.

WJZ - CBS Baltimore

Choi plans to seek compensation from the state for the damages she suffered due to her wrongful conviction. Her case may pave the way for future legal reforms in South Korea, potentially influencing how self-defense is understood in sexual violence cases. Activists hope that this ruling will encourage more victims to speak out and seek justice without fear of retribution.

Woman who bit off attacker’s tongue finally freed

“Sixty-one years ago, in a situation where I could understand nothing, the victim became the perpetrator, and my fate was sealed as a criminal,” — Choi Mal-ja

WJZ - CBS Baltimore

“Thanks to Choi Mal-ja’s relentless fight without ever giving up, the prosecution and judiciary had the opportunity to correct that error today,” — Kim Soo-jung, Choi's lawyer

Woman who bit off attacker’s tongue finally freed

“Going forward, women’s defensive acts will be understood as legitimate. I expect this will mean fewer women will face unjust suffering,” — Song Ran-hee, Korea Women’s Hotline

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