Former T-ara member Areum has had her appeal rejected after being sentenced to 8 months in prison with a 2-year probation for charges of child abuse and defamation. She was also ordered to complete 40 hours of child abuse prevention courses.
The Suwon District Court Ansan Branch, Criminal Division 9, initially handed down the sentence in January, after Areum was prosecuted for verbally abusing her former spouse in front of her children, which constituted emotional abuse, and for defaming her former partner B by disclosing court documents during online broadcasts.
Following the first ruling, Areum filed an appeal through her legal representatives, but the Suwon District Court, 6-1 Criminal Division (Appeals), dismissed the appeal on September 16.
During the trial, the court emphasized: “The defendant has admitted to all charges. Causing serious mental harm to the child’s legal guardian is highly condemnable.”
Regarding the defamation charges, the court noted: “Although there was no intentional malice, Areum failed to verify the facts regarding unorthodox claims, which constitutes indirect intent. Considering the statements were broadcasted and her relationship with the victim, the intent to defame is acknowledged.”
Additionally, Areum’s mother, C, who was also charged with child abuse, received 4 months in prison with a 1-year probation.
Areum joined T-ara in July 2012 but left the group the following year. She married a businessman two years her senior in 2019 and has two sons. In December 2024, she announced her divorce and later revealed plans to remarry her new partner, A. Over the years, Areum has been in the public eye for various personal controversies, including accusations of assault by her ex-husband, which were dismissed by police, and disputes involving alleged financial misconduct with her partner A.
Despite the personal and legal controversies, Areum remains a figure of public interest in Korea, with her past in T-ara and her ongoing personal life continuing to attract media attention.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스
You must be logged in to post a comment.