In a landmark decision for the blockchain gaming industry, a South Korean court has acquitted Henry Chang, the former CEO of Wemade, of charges related to the alleged manipulation of the WEMIX token circulating supply. The verdict, delivered on July 15, 2025, marks a significant moment for both Chang and the broader cryptocurrency and gaming sectors, which have been closely watching the case for its potential impact on regulatory approaches to digital assets.
Henry Chang, who stepped down from his role as co-CEO of Wemade Max in September 2024 citing personal reasons, faced intense legal scrutiny over accusations of manipulating the supply of WEMIX, Wemade’s native token. These charges had cast a shadow over the company’s reputation and raised questions about the transparency of blockchain-based gaming platforms.
The court’s ruling clears Chang of wrongdoing, potentially setting a precedent for how similar cases are handled in South Korea, a hub for blockchain innovation. Industry experts believe this decision could bolster confidence in blockchain gaming and encourage further investment in the sector, which has seen rapid growth with Wemade’s pioneering efforts through its WEMIX platform.
Under Chang’s leadership, Wemade had positioned itself as a leader in integrating blockchain technology with gaming, emphasizing play-to-earn models and decentralized ecosystems. Despite his resignation from Wemade Max, Chang’s vision for the future of gaming—where blockchain games become the default—continues to resonate within the industry, as noted in prior interviews with Inven Global.
The acquittal comes at a critical juncture as Wemade navigates ongoing challenges and seeks to rebuild trust with investors and users. The company’s focus on transparency and innovation, as highlighted by Chang during events like Blockchain Week in Busan 2022, will likely play a key role in its future strategies.
While the legal battle has concluded in Chang’s favor, the broader implications for regulatory frameworks surrounding cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology in gaming remain to be seen. Stakeholders are hopeful that this verdict will pave the way for clearer guidelines, fostering a more stable environment for companies like Wemade to thrive.