Former T-ara member Ahreum has been found guilty of fraud and received a suspended prison sentence.
According to the Ansan branch of the Suwon District Court on April 10, Ahreum (real name Lee Ah-reum) was given a 6-month prison sentence, suspended for 2 years, after being indicted without detention for fraud.
Meanwhile, her boyfriend Seo Dong-hoon was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison. The court concluded that he played a leading role in the case.
💸 Fraud involving fans and acquaintances
Between March and May 2023, the couple was accused of borrowing large sums of money from three individuals, including fans and acquaintances, under false pretenses and never paying them back.
They reportedly used their child's health condition as an excuse, saying:
"Our child is very sick and needs hospital treatment,"
and requested money, which was later found to be used for gambling and other personal purposes.
⚖️ Partial compensation & court outcome
Prosecutors indicted Seo under detention and Ahreum without detention. The total damages listed in the indictment amounted to approximately 46.55 million KRW (~$34,000 USD). Some of the debt has since been repaid.
A few victims agreed to settlements and submitted statements of non-punishment to the court. However, other victims are reportedly preparing to file an appeal.
