Former T-ara Member Lee Ah-reum Receives Suspended Sentence in Appeal for Fraud Charges... Reduced Sentence Compared to Original Ruling

Former T-ara member Lee Ah-reum has been sentenced to a suspended prison term in her appeal for fraud charges related to failing to repay money borrowed from fans and acquaintances. However, her sentence was somewhat reduced compared to the original ruling.

The Suwon District Court's Criminal Appeal Division 5 (Judges Kim Haeng-soon, Lee Jong-rok, and Park Shin-young) announced on the 13th that it overturned the original ruling in the appeal case involving Lee Ah-reum and her boyfriend, Mr. A, and sentenced Lee Ah-reum to 4 months in prison with 1 year probation, while Mr. A received a sentence of 1 year and 4 months in prison.

Reduced Sentence Compared to Original Ruling

In the previous first trial, Lee Ah-reum was sentenced to 6 months in prison with 2 years probation, and Mr. A was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison. In the appeal, while Lee Ah-reum's prison sentence was reduced, the probation period was also shortened, and Mr. A's actual prison term was reduced by 2 months.

Reasons for the Court's Sentencing

The appeal court pointed out that "Lee Ah-reum conspired with Mr. A, knowing that he was committing fraud against his fans, and repeatedly committed fraud against the victims, which is not a light offense."

However, it explained the reasons for the reduction, stating, "Considering that she is reflecting on her actions and has reached agreements with some of the victims, the original sentence is somewhat heavy and unjust."

Judgment on Boyfriend Mr. A

Regarding Mr. A, the court stated, "He repeatedly committed fraud, and the total amount of damages is significant, making his culpability serious," and held him to strict responsibility. However, it also considered that he has reached agreements with some victims and acknowledged all his crimes, leading to a slight reduction compared to the original ruling.

Details of the Case

Lee Ah-reum and Mr. A are accused of borrowing a total of approximately 370 million won from three acquaintances, including fans, and failing to repay it. The victims claimed that "Lee Ah-reum borrowed money from her boyfriend citing personal circumstances and has not repaid it to this day," and filed a complaint with the police between March and May of last year.

This incident is known to have exploited the trust relationship between celebrities and fans, particularly affecting fans who are in financially difficult situations and lent money for their favorite celebrity, leading to greater sympathy for the victims.

Lee Ah-reum's T-ara Activity History

Lee Ah-reum joined T-ara, one of the representative girl groups, in 2012. However, she left the team the following year in 2013, completing a short activity period. Her joining T-ara garnered attention as a new member, but her departure after just one year left a sense of regret.