Choi Mal Ja gets rare apology from S. Korean prosecutors 61 years after wrongful conviction
The controversy dates back to 1964 when Choi Mal Ja was attacked in Gimhae at age 18. Her attacker pinned her down and forced his tongue into her mouth. She bit off half an inch of his tongue to escape.
The man, charged with trespassing and intimidation but not attempted rape, got a six-month suspended sentence. Meanwhile, Choi was sentenced for grievous bodily harm, her self-defense deemed to have “exceeded the reasonable bounds of legally permissible self-defence.” She was sentenced to 10 months, suspended for two years.
Choi fought for justice during South Korea’s #MeToo movement. She filed for retrial in 2020 but was initially rejected. After relentless appeals, the Supreme Court ordered a retrial in 2024.
The retrial began July 22, KST. Prosecutors finally apologized and urged the court to quash Choi’s conviction.
“We have caused Choi Mal Ja, a victim of a sex crime who should have been protected as one, indescribable pain and agony,” said Busan’s Chief Prosecutor Jeong Myeong Won.
Outside court, Choi recalled her ordeal.
“For 61 years, the state made me live as a criminal.”
She hopes younger generations will “live in a world free from sexual violence where they can enjoy human rights.”
The final ruling is set for September 10, KST. Legal experts expect the court to overturn Choi’s conviction.
