Lee A-reum, former member of girl group T-Ara, and her boyfriend were charged without prison for allegedly failing to repay borrowed money.
According to the Suwon District Court, the loans included funds from three of Lee’s acquaintances and fans.
Lee and her boyfriend allegedly borrowed 37 million won (about $25,765) for “personal reasons.” The loans were reportedly not repaid and three victims filed complaints between March and May 2024.
Prosecutors said Lee’s boyfriend orchestrated the scam, taking him into custody for the crime.
At the same time, Lee’s ex-husband filed a complaint against the former idol and her mother in February on charges of child abuse, child neglect and child exploitation.
He claimed that Lee used foul language against him in front of his children, among other allegations.
Lee admitted all charges in court.
“The emotional harm caused to the legal guardian of the child victim is highly reprehensible,” the court said.
Taken Shipping revealed that a temporary restraining order had been placed against Areum and her mother from coming near her children. Areum had initially accused her ex-husband of child abuse.
Lee was sentenced to eight months, two years of probation and 40 hours of child abuse prevention classes.
The court also sentenced Lee’s mother to four months in prison and one year of probation.
Lee joined the female quartet T-Ara in 2012 and left the group the following year.
