After being charged with fraud, Ahreum, a former member of T-ara, whose real name is Lee Ah-reum, is facing major legal issues.
On August 12, the Gyeonggi Province’s Gwangmyeong Police Station verified that Ahreum had been turned over to the prosecution at the end of July without being placed under arrest.
The accusations against her are based on claims that she borrowed ₩37 million (about $28,000 USD) from three people—fans and acquaintances—but didn’t pay them back.
The allegations surfaced towards the end of the previous year, following reports that Ahreum had taken out loans from her fans and acquaintances for personal use, including her partner, and had neglected to reimburse them.
Between March and May, police received complaints, which prompted an investigation.
It was out throughout the investigation that Ahreum’s ex-boyfriend, who went by the name “A,” was also complicit in the extortion of a portion of the borrowed funds.
Ahreum eventually admitted to working alone in the fraud, notwithstanding her initial denial of the accusations. Her ex-boyfriend, though, is still denying any participation.
Since joining T-ara in July 2012 and departing the organization in 2013, Ahreum has dealt with a number of legal problems.
She was also turned over to the prosecution in May over charges of child abuse, negligence, abandonment, and enticing a minor. A facility is currently caring for her children while these legal issues are pending.
A further reason for the rumors that the loaned funds were used for sports betting is Ahreum’s recent legal issues. She has, however, refuted these allegations and attributed them to “hackers.”
