Ex-T-ara Areum sent to prosecution for her child abuse “Likely coerced the children’s statements”
Former T-ara member Areum has been forwarded on charges of child abuse, and her mother has been handed over to the prosecution on charges of child abduction
Both are prohibited from contacting the children until July 21st. Areum’s ex-husband, A, was cleared of child abuse charges, with the investigation suggesting that Areum likely coerced the children’s statements.
Areum accused A of physically abusing the children and posted recordings of conversations with her eldest son on SNS, filing a child abuse report. However, the police found no evidence to support her claims, and the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office dismissed the charges against A due to insufficient evidence.
Conversely, Areum was charged with child abuse. Early last month, the Gyeonggi Gwangmyeong Police Station forwarded Areum to the Ansan branch, Suwon District Prosecutor’s Office with recommendations for indictment on charges of child abuse, child neglect and child abduction. Areum’s mother was also handed over to the prosecution on charges of child abduction.The Suwon Family Court issued a restraining order against Areum and her mother, preventing them from approaching the children.
Investigators noted inconsistencies in the children’s testimonies and found no evidence of physical abuse. A statement analysis expert suggested that the children’s statements were likely coerced by Areum.
A’s lawyer stated that they did not respond to Areum’s false claims earlier because she is the children’s biological mother. They warned Areum to stop defaming A and filing false accusations.
Areum and A married in 2019 and have two sons. During their divorce proceedings, Areum announced her remarriage and pregnancy with her boyfriend Seo Dong-hoon’s child. Areum and Seo Dong-hoon borrowed money from acquaintances under false pretenses, leading to over 10 victims and losses amounting to around 40 million won. Seo Dong-hoon revealed to Dispatch that Areum fabricated evidence and coerced the children into making false statements.