Gwangmyeong Police Station in Gyeonggi Province has confirmed receiving multiple complaints against Areum, a former member of the girl group T-ara, on fraud charges. The total complaints number three, accounting for an alleged sum of 37 million won.
The initial complaint of fraud involving Areum was lodged in March, followed by two other cases referred from different police stations. All complaints are currently under review by authorities.
The charges come after Areum and her mother were previously referred to prosecutors, facing allegations of child abduction and violations of the Child Welfare Act. The accusations claim that Areum neglected her parental duties by not enrolling her children in daycare without the father’s consent. While Areum insists her ex-husband committed violence against their children, some believe she fabricated the claims.
In December of the previous year, Areum revealed her intention to divorce her husband and simultaneously pursue marriage with her new partner. This announcement spurred a variety of rumors, particularly surrounding her boyfriend’s identity and their financial dealings with her friends. The duo is said to have since parted ways.
Areum had a brief stint with T-ara, joining in 2012 and parting ways with the group by 2013.
FAQs About Areum’s Legal Situation
- What is Areum being accused of?
Areum is facing accusations of fraud and child neglect. She has been referred to prosecutors without detention, and three complaints allege a fraud amounting to approximately 37 million won.
- Where is the investigation taking place?
The investigation is being conducted by Gwangmyeong Police Station in Gyeonggi Province. They have consolidated two additional cases transferred from other local stations regarding the fraud charges.
- Why is Areum also facing charges related to child welfare?
Separate from the fraud allegations, Areum is accused of child neglect for not sending her children to daycare, an act her ex-husband did not consent to. There are claims that her ex-husband abused their children, but these are contested.
- Has Areum been detained?
As of the latest updates, Areum was sent to prosecution without detention, meaning she has not been held in custody during the investigation phase.
- What was the public’s reaction to Areum’s personal revelations last year?
When Areum publicly discussed her intent to divorce and her plans to remarry, it spawned various rumors and heightened public scrutiny, especially regarding the identity of her then-boyfriend and their alleged borrowing of money from acquaintances.
