Choi Mal-ja's struggle for justice highlights the ongoing challenges that survivors of sexual violence face in South Korea, sparking a broader movement for change.
South Korean Woman Gets Apology for Overturned Conviction in Self-Defense Case
South Korean Woman Gets Apology for Overturned Conviction in Self-Defense Case
Prosecutors acknowledge mistakes in the conviction of a woman who defended herself against sexual assault in 1964.
In a historic development, South Korean prosecutors have issued a formal apology to Choi Mal-ja, a woman who was wrongfully convicted for defending herself during a sexual attack in 1964. At the age of 18, Ms. Choi faced a harrowing experience when a 21-year-old man attempted to assault her in Gimhae. In a bid to ward off her attacker, she bit off a portion of his tongue, which led to her being sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, for grievous bodily harm.
As the 61st anniversary of her conviction approached, Choi, now 78, had been vocally campaigning to have her case reexamined, drawing inspiration from the South Korean #MeToo movement. Following her retrial that commenced in Busan, prosecutors expressed regret for the unfounded pain inflicted on Choi, recognizing her as the true victim and asking the court to overturn her conviction.
Addressing the media outside the courthouse, Choi exclaimed, "For 61 years, the state made me live as a criminal," expressing hope that her story could prompt future generations to live free from the threat of sexual violence. Chief Prosecutor Jeong Myeong-won remarked, "We have caused indescribable pain and agony" to Choi, underscoring the societal need for acknowledgment around such injustices.
The severity of Choi's original sentence, harsher than that of her attacker—who only received a six-month suspended sentence for trespassing—demonstrates the challenges faced in recognizing legitimate acts of self-defense in instances of sexual violence. Over time, her case has become emblematic of systemic flaws within the legal system and the pressing necessity for reform.
Beginning her journey for justice in the wake of the recent #MeToo movement, Choi's efforts gained momentum in 2020 with a petition for retrial, which was initially dismissed by lower courts. However, the Supreme Court later allowed the retrial, acknowledging the significant public interest in her case.
After the recent hearing, Choi celebrated alongside supporters from various civic organizations, defiantly raising her fist and proclaiming, "We won!" Her ongoing fight has inspired many, reminding them that the quest for justice remains alive in South Korea despite past failures. The court's ultimate ruling is anticipated on September 10, with expectations leaning toward a favorable outcome for Choi, as South Korea continues to grapple with the implications of justice for victims of sexual assault.
As the 61st anniversary of her conviction approached, Choi, now 78, had been vocally campaigning to have her case reexamined, drawing inspiration from the South Korean #MeToo movement. Following her retrial that commenced in Busan, prosecutors expressed regret for the unfounded pain inflicted on Choi, recognizing her as the true victim and asking the court to overturn her conviction.
Addressing the media outside the courthouse, Choi exclaimed, "For 61 years, the state made me live as a criminal," expressing hope that her story could prompt future generations to live free from the threat of sexual violence. Chief Prosecutor Jeong Myeong-won remarked, "We have caused indescribable pain and agony" to Choi, underscoring the societal need for acknowledgment around such injustices.
The severity of Choi's original sentence, harsher than that of her attacker—who only received a six-month suspended sentence for trespassing—demonstrates the challenges faced in recognizing legitimate acts of self-defense in instances of sexual violence. Over time, her case has become emblematic of systemic flaws within the legal system and the pressing necessity for reform.
Beginning her journey for justice in the wake of the recent #MeToo movement, Choi's efforts gained momentum in 2020 with a petition for retrial, which was initially dismissed by lower courts. However, the Supreme Court later allowed the retrial, acknowledging the significant public interest in her case.
After the recent hearing, Choi celebrated alongside supporters from various civic organizations, defiantly raising her fist and proclaiming, "We won!" Her ongoing fight has inspired many, reminding them that the quest for justice remains alive in South Korea despite past failures. The court's ultimate ruling is anticipated on September 10, with expectations leaning toward a favorable outcome for Choi, as South Korea continues to grapple with the implications of justice for victims of sexual assault.
