Lee A-reum, a former member of the girl group T-Ara, and her boyfriend were indicted without detention for allegedly failing to pay back money they borrowed.
The loans included funds from three acquaintances and Lee's fans, according to Suwon District Court.
Lee and her boyfriend allegedly borrowed 37 million won (around $25,765) for "personal reasons." The loans were reportedly not paid back, with three victims coming forward with complaints lodged between March and May 2024.
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Prosecutors alleged that Lee's boyfriend orchestrated the scam, taking him into custody for the crime.
Concurrently, Lee's ex-husband filed a complaint against the former idol and her mother in February on charges of child abuse, child neglect, and exploitation of minors.
He alleged that Lee used profane language against him in front of her children, amongst other charges.
Lee admitted to all the accusations in court.
"The emotional damage caused to the legal guardian of the child victim is highly reprehensible," stated the court.
Outlet Dispatch revealed that a temporary restraining order had been implemented against Areum and her mother from approaching her children. Areum had initially accused her ex-husband of child abuse.
Lee was sentenced to eight months in prison, two years of probation, and 40 hours of child abuse prevention classes.
The court also sentenced Lee's mother to four months in prison and one year of probation.
Lee joined the girl group quartet T-Ara in 2012 and left the group the following year.
