Areum, a former member of T-ara, has had her appeal rejected in the high-profile child abuse and defamation case. The court ruling formally upheld the earlier sentence of eight months, suspended for two years- which is another chapter in the idols turbulent story.
On Sept. 16, 2025, the Suwon District Court ruled Areum would stay on probation and avoid prison time if she stays out of trouble for the next two years.
From Idol Fame to Courtroom Headlines
Areum began her career as part of the well-known girl group T-ara, but left after a year due to personal issues and health complications.
After exiting the group, she seemed to find the quiet and peaceful respite she was looking for. In 2019, she wed a businessman, Mr. Kim, and they had two sons together, but as the peace in the family life seemed to set in, when it began to turn into chaos.
Come late 2021, Areum was involved in her first scandal when it was reported that she had emotionally abused her then-husband in front of the children, as well as making defamatory comments against an individual, Mr. B, during an online stream.
What the Court Decided
In the first hearing, Areum was charged with violating the Child Welfare Act and the Information and Communications Network Act, which includes online defamation in South Korea.
- In the abuse and defamation verdict, the following was noted:
- Ex-husband was verbally instigated in front of children and emotionally hurt.
- Disseminated harmful unverified assertions of information, including defamation of the ‘the verdict was manipulated.’
Areum acknowledged emotionally abusing her children. However, the intent to defame court pointed to a lack of evidence. The reputation, defamed as a result of the public statements made in a live internet broadcast.
The two-year probation includes an eight-month prison sentence. She also has to attend a child-abuse prevention education program.
Her Mother’s Involvement
The case reached to Areum’s mother, referred to as Ms. C. She was charged, with Areum, for kidnapping a minor during a situation that occurred between family members, and she was sentenced to four months jail time, suspended for one year.
This portion of the decision drew more public interest, as many commented on how deep family conflict had impacted Areum’s personal life and mental health.
The Fraud Case That Followed
Areum and her current boyfriend, Mr. A, found themselves in a different scandal — this time involving fraud — while her appeal in the abuse and defamation case was pending. Reportedly, the couple borrowed over ₩40 million (around USD 29,000) from fans and acquaintances, claiming it was due to their personal or business matters but never reimbursed the money.
The court found Areum guilty of fraud in August 2025, sentencing her to four months in prison but suspended her sentence for one year.
In contrast, Mr. A was sentenced to one year and four months in prison. This new conviction added to her already weak public image and questions about her mental health and financial situation.
The Timeline of Events
- July 2012: Areum joins T-ara.
- July 2013: Leaves the group after one year.
- 2019: Marries businessman Kim; the couple has two sons.
- Nov 2021: Indicted for child abuse and defamation.
- Dec 2024: Divorce finalized after long legal battle.
- Jan 2025: Convicted and sentenced to 8-month suspended jail term.
- Apr 2025: Indicted in a separate fraud case with boyfriend Mr. A.
- Aug 2025: Found guilty of fraud, sentenced to 4-month suspended term.
- Sept 16, 2025: Appeal dismissed; original conviction confirmed.
Why the Court Rejected Her Appeal
The appellate court concluded that Areum’s assertions failed to present new evidence or legally plausible reasons justifying reconsideration. The judges pointed out that she made her statements during a live broadcast “recklessly, without checking the facts,” and that fact is a clear indication of defamation under Korean law.
In South Korea, defamation is a crime, even when the statement is true, but is not made to protect the public interest or was made with the intent to harm the reputation of another person. The court concluded that Areum’s public comments did more harm than good, presumably offering no legal justification in support of mitigation.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Discussion
Opinions expressed throughout the public are divided. Some fans care about Areum’s mental health, saying she needs therapy, not judgement. Others note the repetitive infractions shows a lack of responsibility overall.
Throughout the online community, especially on X (Twitter) and TheQoo, the issue of her suspended sentence is hotly debated around the fairness of it.
Throughout this time, Areum’s former bandmates in T-ara have not said anything, choosing to distance themselves from the incident.
What This Means for Areum’s Future
The court has denied Areum’s appeal, meaning her two-year probation sentence will last until 2027.
If she commits additional offenses during her probation time, she may end up serving her original eight-month sentence, and face possible additional time.
While triggering repeated legal problems has made it difficult for her to return to entertainment activities, the observers have stated the court’s intent for rehabilitation gives her a chance to start again if she remains on good behavior while on probation.
Legal Takeaway
Areum’s incident illustrates the ease with which personal conflicts and some online speech can turn into legal proceedings under South Korea’s harsh defamation laws. The case also reflects growing anxieties in South Korea about child welfare, and the consequences of public figures who do not responsibly use social media.
Experts say that this ruling reveals the fact that “celebrity” status does not protect individuals who are harming others — especially those who are doing so emotionally or sharing potentially false information.
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Conclusion
Areum was once famous for her youthful beauty as a member of T-ara, and now she represents the fact that fame can be fragile when personal issues and the law step in. The dismissal of her charms closes one chapter but opens a new one — a long journey toward regaining trust, her reputation, and emotional health.
Whether she can redeem herself outside of court is to be seen, but regardless, her case continues to promote significant discussion about responsibility, truth, and mental health in K-pop.
