Story perspectives

79-Year-Old Woman Acquitted in Historic Self-Defense Case

9/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Choi Mal-ja, 79, was acquitted of biting off her rapist's tongue during a 1964 attack after a court reviewed her conviction.
Initially sentenced to 10 months for grievous bodily harm, her attacker received a six-month suspended sentence.
The Busan District Court deemed her actions self-defense, recognizing bias against women in the legal system.
Inspired by the #MeToo movement, Choi's advocacy led to a retrial.
She intends to file a civil lawsuit for her wrongful conviction.

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Story summary

Choi Mal-ja, 79, was acquitted of biting off her rapist's tongue during a 1964 attack after a court reviewed her conviction.
Initially sentenced to 10 months for grievous bodily harm, her attacker received a six-month suspended sentence.
The Busan District Court deemed her actions self-defense, recognizing bias against women in the legal system.
Inspired by the #MeToo movement, Choi's advocacy led to a retrial.
She intends to file a civil lawsuit for her wrongful conviction.