Former T-ara Member Ahreum Appeals Suspended Sentence for Child Abuse and Defamation

Ahreum, a former member of the girl group T-ara, has filed an appeal against her suspended prison sentence related to charges of child abuse and defamation. On January 23, she submitted her appeal through her legal representative, expressing her intention to continue the legal battle.

On January 16, the Ansan branch of the Suwon District Court sentenced Ahreum to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, after she was indicted without detention for charges including the abduction and enticement of a minor and defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act. Additionally, she was ordered to complete 40 hours of child abuse prevention education.

Ahreum is accused of emotionally abusing her children by verbally attacking her ex-spouse in their presence and defaming an individual, referred to as A, who disclosed a court ruling regarding her boyfriend, B, during an internet broadcast. The court found that during the broadcast, Ahreum implied that A's disclosure of B's court ruling was manipulated. The court determined that there was a reckless intent to defame, especially considering the relationship between Ahreum and the victim.

Regarding the child abuse charges, the court noted that Ahreum acknowledged all allegations and highlighted the significant emotional harm caused to the lawful guardian of the affected children.

The court decided to suspend the execution of her sentence, taking into account that Ahreum did not receive forgiveness from A, her admission of the child abuse charges, and the fact that the children were placed in the custody of their guardian. On the same day, Ahreum's mother was also indicted for child neglect and received a four-month prison sentence, suspended for one year.

With Ahreum's appeal, further legal proceedings are anticipated.

Ahreum debuted with T-ara in 2012 but left the group in 2013. She married an older businessman in 2019 and has two children, but she announced her divorce in December of last year, which has led to ongoing controversies surrounding her personal life.