Former Samsung Pitcher An Ji-man Sentenced to Prison Over Unpaid Debts
Former professional baseball player An Ji-man received a prison sentence for borrowing hundreds of millions of won from acquaintances and failing to repay the funds, news.sbs.co.kr reported. The 43-year-old former Samsung Lions relief pitcher was handed a 1-year and 8-month prison term by the Daegu District Court.
Fraud Charges and Unpaid Loans
Judge Jeon Myeong-hwan of the Daegu District Court’s 11th Criminal Division convicted An on fraud charges stemming from multiple unpaid loans obtained between 2015 and 2017. Court documents show that An borrowed 2억 2천800만 원 from an acquaintance identified as B between April and June 2016, claiming the money was needed for construction costs. Between December 2015 and October 2017, An also borrowed 9400만 원 from another acquaintance, C, citing a need for legal representation fees. Prosecutors and the court established that An used the borrowed funds for purposes other than those stated to the lenders.
Financial Hardship and Trial Defense
At the time of the borrowings, An was facing severe financial distress. He was carrying roughly 2 billion won in total debts to financial institutions and other creditors. His financial troubles deepened in October 2015 when he became embroiled in an overseas gambling scandal, which resulted in his removal from the Samsung Lions’ Korean Series roster and the subsequent loss of his player salary. During the trial, An argued that he lacked fraudulent intent because he expected to return to professional baseball after the police investigations and court proceedings concluded. The court rejected this defense, ruling that An knowingly misrepresented his financial standing and his actual ability to repay the loans.
Court Ruling and Prior Convictions
Judge Jeon noted that the lenders would not have provided the funds had they known An intended to use the money for other obligations. In determining the sentence, the court weighed the fact that An had repaid 2천590만 원 to one of the victims and had transferred his personal vehicle as partial compensation. This prison sentence adds to An’s previous legal troubles. In April 2018, the Daegu District Court sentenced him to six months in prison with a two-year suspension for violations of the National Sports Promotion Act.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Case
What specific prison sentence did An Ji-man receive?
The Daegu District Court sentenced An Ji-man to 1 year and 8 months in prison on fraud charges.
How much money did An fail to repay to his acquaintances?
Court records show An borrowed 2억 2천800만 원 from one acquaintance and 9400만 원 from another, totaling a substantial sum, while carrying about 2 billion won in separate debts.
What prior legal issues did An face before this fraud conviction?
In April 2018, the Daegu District Court sentenced An to 6 months in prison with a two-year suspension for violating the National Sports Promotion Act.