Im Changyong, Sentenced to 8 Months in First Trial, Claims Innocence at First Appellate Hearing

Unpaid Gambling Debt of 80 Million Won

Appeals Trial to Continue on April 2

Lim Changyong attending court on charges of 'gambler's fund fraud.' Photo by Yonhap News

Former professional baseball player Im Changyong (50), who was sentenced to prison in the first trial for allegedly borrowing tens of millions of won in gambling funds and failing to repay them, claimed his innocence at the first hearing of his appeal, pointing out inconsistencies in the victim's testimony.

According to the legal community on March 5, the 3rd Criminal Division of the Gwangju District Court (presiding judge Kim Ilsu) held the first appellate hearing for Im, who was indicted on fraud charges and sentenced to eight months in prison in the first trial.

In court that day, Im stated, “The complainant’s testimony has repeatedly changed and lacks consistency, so it is not credible. However, this was not properly reflected in the first trial’s verdict,” appealing for acquittal on the grounds of factual misjudgment. He further added, “I believe I am not guilty, but even if guilt were to be recognized, the eight-month prison sentence from the first trial is excessively harsh,” expressing that the appeal was also based on the severity of the sentence. In contrast, the prosecution filed a cross-appeal, arguing that the original sentence was too lenient and therefore unjust.

Previously, Im was brought to trial on charges of borrowing items worth approximately 150 million won from his acquaintance, Mr. A, at a hotel casino in Manila, Philippines, in December 2019, and failing to repay 80 million won. At the time, Mr. A accused Im of borrowing 150 million won in cash for casino gambling and repaying only 70 million won.

In response, Im’s side argued, “It is true that money was borrowed for gambling, but it was in the form of casino chips rather than cash, and the actual amount borrowed was only about 70 million won, which has already been fully repaid.”

However, the first trial court stated, “It is recognized that the defendant borrowed 150 million won for gambling and failed to repay 80 million won,” and added, “Taking into account that the victim knowingly lent the money for gambling, the sentence was determined accordingly,” sentencing Im to eight months in prison. The court, however, did not order his immediate detention, considering there was no risk of flight.

The appellate court is planning to continue the next hearing on April 2, taking into account additional procedures such as the defendant’s legal representation.

Meanwhile, Im began his professional baseball career in 1995 with the Haitai Tigers, later played for the Samsung Lions, and also competed in the Japanese and American major leagues. He retired from the KIA Tigers after the 2018 season.

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