The world of K-pop is no stranger to drama, but former T-ara member Lee Areum’s story has taken a darker, more troubling turn.
Once celebrated for her stage presence and chart-topping hits, Areum, 31, now finds herself at the center of serious legal battles that have rocked both fans and the Korean entertainment industry.
Rise to Fame and Early Career Struggles
Lee Areum first captured attention in 2012 as a teenage member of T-ara, one of Asia’s most popular girl groups.
But her time in the spotlight was short-lived.
She left the group after just a year, citing struggles with her mental health.
Despite stepping away, Areum occasionally appeared on Korean television, keeping her name in the public eye.
Personal Life and Marriage
In 2019, Areum married businessman Kim Young-gul, and the couple had two children together.
Their marriage, however, would later unravel publicly.
Following their divorce filing in 2023, Areum accused Young-gul of child abuse and domestic violence via social media and reported him to authorities.
A police investigation ultimately found no evidence of abuse, and Young-gul was cleared.
Legal Battles and Criminal Charges
The situation escalated after Areum’s accusations.
Following a suicide attempt that landed her in hospital, Young-gul filed criminal complaints against her and her mother, alleging child abuse and defamation.
Court records show that Areum verbally abused Young-gul in front of their children and shared court documents online during a livestream.
The Suwon District Court found Areum guilty of child abuse and defamation, sentencing her to eight months in prison, suspended for two years.
She is also required to complete 40 hours of child abuse prevention education.
The court noted, “Her actions caused significant psychological harm to the children’s lawful guardian, which deserves strong condemnation.”
Areum’s mother received a four-month prison sentence after being accused of neglect by allowing the grandchildren to witness the verbal abuse.
Areum’s appeal against her sentencing was rejected last month.
Previous Fraud Conviction
This legal saga isn’t Areum’s first brush with the law.
Last year, she was convicted of fraud for borrowing money from friends and fans and failing to repay it.
She admitted guilt, repaid part of the money, and received a suspended four-month prison sentence.
Her boyfriend, Seo Dong Hoon—who she left her ex-husband for—was also convicted and sentenced to 14 months in prison.
Dong Hoon has a criminal history, having served over two years in prison for fraud and sexual violence.
Together, the couple allegedly targeted friends and fans by claiming emergency medical costs for Areum and her children, collecting roughly $27,000 from more than ten victims.
Recent Developments and Family Life
After her divorce from Young-gul, Areum publicly announced her relationship with Dong Hoon and revealed they were expecting a child together.
She welcomed her third child in October 2024, during the ongoing fraud case, and announced another pregnancy just a month later.
There have been no further updates on the latter.
Meanwhile, T-ara officially went on hiatus in 2017 but has reunited several times over the years.
Recent performances saw the remaining members touring across China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Vietnam, notably without Areum.
The Public Eye and Scandal
Areum’s story is a striking example of how fame and personal turmoil can collide.
From K-pop stardom to multiple criminal convictions and ongoing family drama, her life has become a cautionary tale for fans and fellow entertainers alike.
The coming months will likely determine whether Areum can rebuild her life or remain defined by her legal troubles.