Ah-reum, a former member of the group T-ara, has been indicted for borrowing money from fans and acquaintances and failing to repay it, and has received a suspended prison sentence in the appeal.
On the 13th, the 5th Criminal Division of the Suwon District Court (Presiding Judges Kim Haeng-soon, Lee Jong-rok, Park Shin-young) overturned the original ruling in the appeal case involving Ah-reum and her boyfriend, Mr. A, and sentenced Ah-reum to 4 months in prison with a 1-year suspension, and Mr. A to 1 year and 4 months in prison.
Previously, the first trial had sentenced Ah-reum to 6 months in prison with a 2-year suspension, and Mr. A to 1 year and 6 months in prison.
The appellate court stated, "Ah-reum conspired with Mr. A, knowing that he was committing fraud against her fans, and repeatedly committed fraud against the victims, which is not a light offense. However, considering that she is reflecting on her actions and has reached agreements with some of the victims, the original sentence is somewhat heavy and unjust."
Regarding Mr. A, the court noted, "He has repeatedly committed fraud, and the total amount of damages is considerable, making his culpability serious. However, he has reached agreements with some victims and acknowledges all of his crimes," explaining the reasons for the sentencing.
Ah-reum and Mr. A were indicted for borrowing approximately 37 million won from three fans and acquaintances and failing to repay it. The victims claimed, "Ah-reum borrowed money from her boyfriend citing personal circumstances and has not repaid it to this day," and filed a complaint with the police in March of last year.
In addition to this case, Ah-reum has come under scrutiny for claiming that her ex-husband abused their children. In response, her ex-husband filed a lawsuit against Ah-reum and her mother in February of last year for violating the Child Welfare Act (child abuse and neglect) and for the abduction of a minor.
In January, Ah-reum received an 8-month prison sentence with a 2-year suspension for child abuse and defamation, but she is currently appealing the decision.
Ah-reum joined T-ara in 2012 and left the group the following year. She married an older businessman in 2019 and had two sons, but announced her divorce in 2023. She later announced her remarriage and gave birth to her third child in October of last year. She is currently reported to be pregnant with her fourth child.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
