Lee A-reum, a former member of K-pop girl group T-ara, has been sentenced to a suspended prison term for fraud.
According to South Korean news outlet Korea JoongAng Daily, the 31-year-old, formerly known as Han A-reum, was sentenced to a suspended jail term of six months with a two-year probation for borrowing money from fans and acquaintances without repaying them.
A suspended prison term means the person will not have to go to jail if he or she complies with the conditions given during the probation period.
Lee – who joined T-ara briefly in 2012 and departed the group the following year – and her boyfriend were accused of borrowing about 37 million won (RM114,760.86) from three individuals and not returning the money.
Lee’s boyfriend was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
In late 2023, Lee faced accusations of borrowing money under false pretences, such as purportedly needing money for surgery or legal fees related to her divorce. Lee married a businessman in 2019 and had two sons with him, but announced their split in 2023.
The alleged victims reportedly filed police complaints between March and May 2024.
In December, Lee and her boyfriend were indicted by the South Korean authorities on fraud charges.
In a separate case, Lee was indicted on charges of abducting a minor and defamation. She claimed that her former husband abused her and their children, but the police could not find corroborating evidence.
T-ara now consist of four members – Qri, Eunjung, Hyomin and Jiyeon – and are known for catchy hits like Bo Peep Bo Peep (2009) and Roly-Poly (2011). – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
