Former T-ara member Ahreum has received a reduced sentence on appeal after being charged with fraud for borrowing money from fans and acquaintances and failing to repay it.
According to a News1 report on August 13, the Suwon District Court’s Criminal Division 5-1 overturned the original verdict and sentenced Ahreum to four months in prison, suspended for one year.
Previously, the first trial court had sentenced her to six months in prison with two years of probation.
Ahreum’s boyfriend, who was indicted and detained on related fraud charges, also had his sentence reduced from 18 months to 14 months in prison.
The court explained the reduction, stating, “We considered the fact that Ahreum admitted to her wrongdoing, reached settlements with two of the victims who no longer wish to pursue punishment, and repaid part of the money.”
While acknowledging the seriousness of her crimes, the court determined that the original sentence was excessive given all circumstances.
Ahreum had been accused of scamming fans and acquaintances for money starting in late 2023. After victims filed police complaints, the case was forwarded to the prosecution, resulting in her indictment. The total amount defrauded was reported to be around 37 million KRW (approximately 27,000 USD).
Though she initially denied the accusations, Ahreum later admitted to acting alone. However, prosecutors indicted her boyfriend separately for his role in the fraud.
Ahreum is also currently awaiting appeal for another case in which she received an eight-month suspended sentence (with two years of probation) for violating the Information and Communications Network Act (defamation) and charges related to the abduction and luring of a minor.
Ahreum debuted as a T-ara member in 2012 but left the group the following year. She married a businessman in 2019, with whom she had two sons, but the couple has since divorced.
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