Former T-ara Member Lee Ah-reum Receives Suspended Sentence in Appeal for Fraud Charges
Lee Ah-reum, a former member of the girl group T-ara, who was indicted for borrowing money from fans and acquaintances without repayment, received a suspended sentence in the appeal trial.
On the 13th, the 5th Criminal Appeal Division of the Suwon District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Haeng-soon, Lee Jong-rok, Park Shin-young) overturned the original decision in the appeal trial regarding the fraud charges against Lee Ah-reum and her boyfriend, Mr. A, sentencing Mr. A to 1 year and 4 months in prison, and Lee Ah-reum to 4 months in prison with a 1-year suspension.
This is a somewhat reduced sentence compared to the first trial, where Mr. A was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison and Lee Ah-reum to 6 months in prison with a 2-year suspension.
The appellate court stated in its reasoning, "Defendant Lee Ah-reum conspired knowing that Mr. A was committing fraud against her fans and repeatedly committed fraud against the victims, which is a serious offense." However, it was noted, "Considering that she is reflecting on her actions and has reached agreements with some victims regarding the fraud, the original sentence is somewhat excessive and unjust."
Fraud Using Celebrity Status Resulting in 37 Million Won in Damages
Lee Ah-reum and her boyfriend Mr. A were indicted for borrowing about 37 million won from three fans and acquaintances without repayment. They were found to have gained the victims' trust by leveraging their celebrity status before borrowing the money.
The victims claimed, "Lee borrowed money citing personal reasons with her boyfriend and has not repaid it to date," and filed a complaint with the police between March and May of last year. In response, the court noted regarding Mr. A, "He has repeatedly committed fraud, and the total amount of damages is significant, making his culpability serious," but also acknowledged that "he has reached agreements with some victims and admitted to all of his wrongdoing" when stating the reasons for the sentencing.
Lee Ah-reum joined the popular girl group T-ara as a new member in 2012 but left the team the following year in 2013.
Image source: instagram 'areum0ju'
