A Star's Fall from Grace

In a stunning turn of events, former T-ara member Ahreum, known off-stage as Lee Ahreum, faces serious legal repercussions for defrauding friends and fans alike.

Court Ruling and Charges

On April 15th, the Ansan Branch of the Suwon District Court made headlines when Judge Lee Nuri sentenced the 31-year-old to six months in prison, a sentence that has been suspended for two years. The verdict comes after Ahreum was found guilty of swindling millions of won from her close circles.

The Deceptive Scheme

Between March and May 2023, Ahreum borrowed money under false pretenses, claiming she was in dire need due to "personal reasons." However, after failing to repay her debts, the victims sought justice, leading to legal action.

Several of her acquaintances revealed that she used sob stories about "relationship troubles" and "personal hardships" to extract funds, totaling around 37 million KRW (approximately $26,000 USD).

Unraveling Lies

Initially, Ahreum denied the accusations, attributing them to hacking and her then-boyfriend's involvement. However, as investigations progressed, she confessed to acting alone in her deceitful endeavors.

Past Troubles Resurface

This scandal was not the first for Ahreum. Previously, she served an eight-month prison sentence with a two-year suspension after being charged with child abuse and defamation. Allegations stated she emotionally abused her children by verbally attacking her ex-husband in their presence and publicly disparaging an acquaintance during a livestream.

From Idol to Motherhood — And Back Again

Ahreum joined T-ara in 2012 but departed just a year later. She married a businessman in 2019 and shares two sons with him before their divorce in early 2023. In a surprising twist, she remarried her boyfriend and welcomed a third child last November, with recent reports indicating she is pregnant with her fourth.

The Final Curtain?

As Ahreum's personal and legal battles unfold, fans and the public are left wondering about the future of this once-beloved idol. Will she be able to reclaim her status, or has this fraud case marked the end of her career?