The Former T-Ara Member Sentenced To Probation For Child Abuse And Defamation
Former T-ara member Ahreum has been sentenced to a two-year suspended prison term on charges of child abuse and defamation.
On the 17th of January, the Ansan District Court’s Criminal Division 9, presided over by Judge Yoon Sang Do, delivered the verdict, sentencing Ahreum to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. The court also ordered her to complete 40 hours of child abuse prevention education.
Ahreum faced charges for verbally abusing her ex-husband, identified as A, in front of their children. She was also accused of defaming an individual, C, on an internet broadcast by disclosing a court ruling involving her boyfriend, B.
The court stated, “The defendant has admitted to all charges of child abuse. Her actions caused significant psychological harm to the children, who were under the legal custody of the victim, which warrants severe criticism.” Regarding the defamation charges, the court added, “Although she claims she had no intent to slander C, her remarks, such as claiming the court ruling was fabricated, were made without verifying the facts. This constitutes implicit intent, especially considering the statements were made publicly during a broadcast and given her relationship with the victim, the remarks were aimed at defamation.”
Ahreum’s mother, who was co-charged in the child abuse case, was also sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for one year. She was accused of neglecting her grandchildren by allowing them to live in an environment where her daughter repeatedly verbally abused A from 2021 to 2022.
Ahreum joined T-ara in 2012 but left the group a year later. In 2019, she married A, an older businessman, and they had two sons. However, in 2023, she filed for divorce and revealed her relationship with B, sparking controversy.
During the marriage, Ahreum alleged that A had abused their children and subjected her to domestic violence. However, police investigations concluded that A was not guilty of child abuse.
Ahreum was later accused, alongside B, of borrowing approximately 37 million KRW (~$28,000 USD) from fans and acquaintances and failing to repay the debt. She denied the allegations, claiming they were the result of a hacker’s actions.
Currently, Ahreum has given birth to a third child with B and is expecting her fourth.
Source: (A)
