Former T-ara member Lee Areum has received an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, following a court ruling on January 17. She was found guilty of child abuse and defamation against her ex-husband. If she does not commit a similar offense during the probation period, she will not serve the prison time.
Court Ruling and Charges
The sentencing hearing for Lee Areum took place at the 9th Criminal Division of Ansan Branch, presided over by Chief Judge Yoon Sang Do. The court sentenced her to eight months in prison with a two-year probation period. She must also complete 40 hours of child abuse prevention lectures.
Lee Areum faced two charges: child abuse, stemming from allegations of yelling and cursing at her ex-husband in front of their two children, and defamation, resulting from derogatory remarks she made about a netizen during a live broadcast. The netizen had disclosed court documents related to the singer’s current husband.
The court found her guilty on both counts. Regarding the defamation charge, the court stated that even though Areum claimed she did not intend to slander the netizen, her accusation that the court ruling was fabricated was made without verifying the facts, constituting willful negligence.
“Considering the context of the broadcast, her relationship with the victim, and the nature of her remarks, it is recognized that there was intent to defame,” the court stated.
Involvement of Areum’s Mother
Areum’s mother also received a four-month prison sentence with a one-year probation period for child abuse charges. She was accused of neglecting her grandchildren by allowing them to remain in an environment where Areum verbally abused her ex-husband between 2021 and 2022.
Background of Lee Areum
Lee Areum joined T-ara in 2012 and left the group a year later. In 2019, she married a businessman and had two sons. They began divorce proceedings in 2023. Following her divorce, Areum announced her remarriage, which generated controversy at the time.
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Credits: Sports Chosun
