South Korea Reopens 61-Year-Old Case: Choi Mal-ja's Fight for Justice and the Quest for Legal Reform
In a case that has captured the attention of the nation, 79-year-old Choi Mal-ja, known in some reports as Choi Soon-sil, is set to have her day in court—61 years after she bit off the tongue of her assailant in an act of self-defense during an attempted sexual assault. The Busan District Court's decision to reopen the case, with the retrial scheduled for July 23rd, comes after decades of Choi's unwavering efforts to clear her name and rectify what many view as a historical injustice.
21 July 2025
The incident occurred in 1964 when Choi, then 18, was approached by a man asking for directions. In a shocking turn, the man attacked her, leading Choi to defend herself by biting off a portion of his tongue, approximately 1.5 cm. Despite being the victim of an attempted rape, Choi was charged with "serious injury" and subsequently sentenced to a 10-month prison term, suspended for two years. In stark contrast, her assailant, identified as Mr. Lu, faced no severe punishment for the attempted rape; his charges were dropped, and he was handed a lighter sentence of six months in prison, also suspended for two years, for lesser crimes such as special residential intrusion and special threats. Adding to the controversy, it was reported that prosecutors at the time suggested Choi marry Mr. Lu as "atonement," under the pretext that "no one would want to marry a man with a severed tongue."
This case has ignited widespread public debate and outcry, particularly on social media platforms. The consensus among users on Weibo expresses frustration and disbelief at the protracted delay in re-examining Choi's case, with comments stating it's "too late" and her "life has already been stained." The sentiment underscores a deeply rooted issue of injustice within the legal system, highlighting the disparity in the sentences handed down to Choi and her assailant. Many argue that the original ruling reflects the patriarchal societal norms of the time, which frequently blamed and stigmatized victims of sexual assault.
The retrial, now scheduled for July 23, 2025, at 11 AM at the Busan District Court, is not merely a legal proceeding but a societal touchstone. It brings to the forefront discussions on self-defense, justice delayed, and the rights of sexual assault survivors in South Korea. Advocates and the public are hoping that this retrial will not only vindicate Choi but also contribute to changes in how sexual violence cases are handled, moving towards a more just and equitable approach.
This case transcends the individual plight of Choi Mal-ja, casting a spotlight on the broader issues of gender equality, legal reform, and political responsiveness in South Korea. The retrial represents a significant moment that could pave the way for progressive changes in societal attitudes towards victims of sexual violence, the recognition of self-defense rights, and the amendment of laws to better protect and support survivors. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future legal interpretations of self-defense in sexual assault cases, potentially reforming the criteria for what constitutes justifiable self-defense and improving the judicial process and evidence preservation practices.
Moreover, the international community is closely watching how South Korea addresses this high-profile case, as it reflects the country's commitment to human rights and judicial fairness. A fair trial could enhance South Korea's international standing, demonstrating its efforts to promote gender equality and rectify historical injustices. The case of Choi Mal-ja symbolizes a broader struggle for dignity and justice for all victims of sexual violence, signaling a hopeful step towards a more equitable and compassionate society.
