What is the controversy surrounding former T-ARA member Areum? All we know about her prison sentence for child abuse and defamation

On January 17, 2025, a South Korean media outlet, Sports Chosun, reported that former T-ara member Areum had been sentenced to two years of probation on charges of child abuse and defamation. The sentencing followed her admission to the charges, and the Suwon District Court’s Ansan Branch, under Judge Yoon Sang-do, ruled an eight-month prison sentence.

She is suspended for two years, alongside a mandatory 40-hour child abuse prevention course. The court took into account her admission of guilt and lack of prior criminal record when delivering the sentence. According to Chosun Biz, the court stated,

"She acknowledges all the allegations and has inflicted significant psychological harm on the lawful guardian of the victim child, which is severely condemnable."

The charges against her stemmed from incidents involving her ex-husband, Mr. A, and a separate defamation case targeting Mr. C. According to court records, she had used profanity toward her ex-husband in the presence of their children, causing emotional harm.

Additionally, she accused Mr. C of manipulating a court ruling about her current partner, Mr. B, during a live internet broadcast. The court criticized her for making unverified claims, noting her statements had the intent of defamation, given the broadcast's reach and her relationship with the victim.

In a related judgment, Areum’s mother was sentenced to four months in prison, with a one-year probation period. The charges against her mother included neglecting her grandchildren by allowing them to remain in an environment where she verbally abused Mr. A between 2021 and 2022.

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All we know about Areum’s legal troubles and personal life

Areum, who briefly joined T-ara in 2012 before leaving the group a year later, has faced a series of controversies in recent years. After marrying businessman Mr. A in 2019 and having two sons, she announced in December 2023 that she was in the midst of a divorce lawsuit. Around the same time, she revealed her relationship with Mr. B and expressed plans to remarry.

She welcomed her third child with Mr. B in late 2023 and is pregnant with her fourth child.

Her legal issues escalated in 2023 when she accused Mr. A of domestic violence and child abuse, sharing photos that allegedly documented her injuries. However, after a thorough investigation, law enforcement found no evidence to support her claims against Mr. A, and experts questioned the reliability of her children’s testimonies, suggesting they may have been coerced.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office ultimately ruled that the allegations against Mr. A were unsubstantiated.

Adding to her legal troubles, Areum and Mr. B were accused in August 2024 of defrauding fans and acquaintances by borrowing approximately 37 million won and failing to repay the debt. She denied these allegations, attributing them to a hacker.

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As her legal battles unfold, Areum's future in the public eye remains uncertain.