Comedian Kim Hyeong-in Sentenced to 2 Million Won Fine in First Trial for Illegal Gambling Charges

Not Guilty of Illegal Gambling Venue Operation... Choi Jae-wook Judged to Have Acted Alone
Kim Hyung-in "Admits Small-Scale Gambling Charges... No Intention to Appeal"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Comedian Kim Hyung-in (42), who was prosecuted for opening an illegal gambling site and repeatedly engaging in illegal gambling, was sentenced to a fine in the first trial.

On the morning of the 3rd at 10 a.m., Judge Park Sung-gyu of the Seoul Southern District Court Criminal Division 4 held the first trial sentencing hearing for Kim, who was charged with opening a gambling site and gambling, and sentenced him to a fine of 2 million won. The court acquitted Kim of the charge of opening a gambling site.

Judge Park explained, "Considering the testimony of the part-time worker at the gambling site and the real estate lease contract, there was an agreement to share profits," but added, "Since Kim received back part of the investment during the process, it can be judged that he withdrew from the conspiracy."

This means that comedian Choi Jae-wook (39), who was also indicted, was judged to have opened the illegal gambling site alone.

Regarding Choi, who appeared in court together on this day, Judge Park sentenced him to 8 months in prison with a 2-year probation and ordered 120 hours of community service.

Earlier, at the first trial's closing arguments, the prosecution requested a 1-year prison sentence and a fine of 1 million won for Kim, and a 1-year prison sentence for Choi.

Kim and Choi were indicted on charges of opening an illegal gambling site in an officetel in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, from January to February 2018, organizing gambling involving tens of millions of won in bets, and collecting commissions. Kim was also charged with directly engaging in illegal gambling about 10 times.

During the trial, Kim claimed that although he lent money when Choi said he wanted to run a board game room, he expressed his intention to withdraw before the operation when Choi planned to open an illegal gambling site. Choi admitted to opening the gambling site, and consistently testified that Kim withdrew before the illegal gambling site was opened.

Immediately after the verdict, Kim's side stated, "Although it is a small amount, we humbly accept the sentencing on the gambling charge," and added, "We do not intend to appeal."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.