[Exclusive] Stolen, Then Stolen Again... Lim Changyong’s Pouch Hit by Theft Twice

Police Sent 80-Year-Old and High School Student to Prosecution Two Weeks Ago on Charges of Misappropriation of Lost Property
Lim Changyong: "Some Stolen Items Were Not Recovered, but I Do Not Want Punishment"... Settlement Submitted

Former professional baseball player Lim Changyong (50) recently went through an incredible incident in which two different offenders became involved in a single theft case. He is drawing attention for choosing forgiveness over punishment, even though the damage has not been fully recovered.

Former professional baseball player Lim Changyong (50). Changyongbulpae Lim Changyong YouTube

According to Gwangju Nambu Police Station and Lim Changyong’s side on the 5th, the incident occurred last month on a bench at an apartment complex in Baegun-dong, Nam-gu, Gwangju. Lim briefly left a pouch bag containing cash, his ID, and cards on the bench, and when he returned, he discovered it had gone missing.

The criminal investigation team at Nambu Police Station immediately began canvassing the scene and analyzing CCTV footage after receiving the report.

The police had difficulty identifying suspects due to the short time frame of the crime and blind spots in the footage. However, after meticulously analyzing surrounding CCTV and persistently tracking movements, they succeeded in apprehending two suspects.

The investigation revealed an unexpected story behind the case. While Lim was away, an individual in his 80s, referred to as A, first took the cash from the bag. Then, after some time had passed, a passing high school student, referred to as B, took the remaining bag in its entirety.

The police tracked them down to the end and arrested them, and once the charges were substantiated, the two were sent to the prosecution about two weeks ago on charges of misappropriation of lost property.

Although legal punishment procedures were inevitable, Lim’s response during the process highlighted his humane side. After hearing from the police that the suspects were an elderly person in his 80s and a student, he immediately expressed his intention to show leniency.

A representative from Lim’s side stated, “The lost items and money have not been fully recovered, but Mr. Lim conveyed that he does not wish for them to be punished, considering the circumstances of the elderly man and the student’s future,” adding, “A settlement agreement and a letter of non-punishment have already been submitted to the police.”

He is also said to have shown a calm reaction to acquaintances, saying, “I will just think of the lost money and a few belongings as tuition I paid to learn a lesson.”

Having recently launched the YouTube channel “Changyongbulpae Lim Changyong” to communicate with fans as he attempts a comeback, Lim has demonstrated a more mature and magnanimous character off the field through this incident. His warm act of tolerance, shown as he strives to stand up again after many ups and downs, is quietly resonating within the local community.

Meanwhile, a legal expert commented, “Even if the victim submits a letter of non-punishment, the crime of misappropriation of lost property is not an offense subject to non-punishment at the victim’s discretion, so the criminal procedure itself cannot be avoided,” but added, “However, reaching a settlement with the victim and the victim’s stated wish for non-punishment become decisive mitigating factors in a prosecutorial decision to suspend indictment or in sentence reduction during trial.”