Former T-ara Member Lee Areum Charged with Fraud
Lee Areum, former member of the K-pop group T-ara, is facing new legal troubles as she is now being charged with multiple counts of fraud. The singer has been accused of borrowing money from several individuals and failing to repay her debts.
On August 12th, Yonhap News reported that Lee Areum has been handed over to the prosecution for allegedly borrowing 37 million won (nearly $27,000) from acquaintances and fans without returning the money. The Gwangmyeong Police Station in Kyunggi Province confirmed that they referred her case to the prosecution at the end of last month on charges of fraud.
The accusations against Lee Areum involve borrowing approximately 37 million won from fans and three acquaintances. According to the victims, Lee Areum and her boyfriend, identified only as “A,” failed to repay the loans after borrowing the money for personal reasons. The victims filed complaints with the police from March to May 2023.
Police investigations revealed that “A” was also involved in extorting money from the victims, and as a result, he has also been referred to the prosecution. While Lee Areum admitted to the charges during the police investigation, her boyfriend denied any wrongdoing.
In addition to the fraud charges, Lee Areum is also facing prosecution for child abuse. Previously, she had accused her ex-husband, businessman Kim Yong Gul, of abusing her and their children. Lee Areum claimed that Kim Yong Gul physically assaulted the children and subjected them to degrading treatment.
However, after a thorough police investigation, the allegations against Kim Yong Gul under the Child Welfare Act (child abuse) were not substantiated. Instead, Lee Areum herself has been charged with child abuse. The Gwangmyeong Police Department sent the case file to the Ansan branch of the prosecution office earlier last month, recommending that Lee Areum be prosecuted for child abuse, neglect, kidnapping, and enticing minors.
Lee Areum’s mother is also being prosecuted on charges of kidnapping and enticing minors. Based on these findings, the Suwon Family Court has issued temporary measures to prohibit Lee Areum and her mother from approaching the children.
Lee Areum and Kim Yong Gul were married in 2019 and have two sons together. In December 2023, Lee Areum announced that she was in the process of divorcing Kim Yong Gul and planned to remarry. She also revealed that she was pregnant with her boyfriend Seo Dong Hoon’s child.
Lee Areum and Seo Dong Hoon reportedly borrowed money from several people around them, citing the need for medical and living expenses. Over 10 victims have come forward, claiming losses amounting to approximately 40 million won.
Their relationship took a turn for the worse, leading to several arguments and ultimately the cancellation of their engagement. Seo Dong Hoon later reported to Dispatch that the child abuse allegations were orchestrated by Lee Areum to frame her ex-husband.
This series of events has left Lee Areum embroiled in a web of legal battles, with her reputation and future hanging in the balance as she faces serious criminal charges. The ongoing investigations and court proceedings will determine the next chapter in this unfolding drama.
