Ex-T-ara Areum Sent to Prosecution for Child Abuse: Allegedly Coerced Children’s Statements

Until July 21st, both parties are forbidden from contacting the children. An investigation cleared A, Areum’s ex-husband, of child abuse charges and suggested that Areum may have coerced the children’s statements.

Despite accusing A of physically abusing the children and sharing recordings of conversations with her eldest son on social media, Areum’s claims were not supported by evidence. As a result, the police found no proof of child abuse and the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office dismissed the charges against A due to lack of evidence.

On the other hand, Areum was accused of committing child abuse. In the beginning of last month, the Gyeonggi Gwangmyeong Police Station transferred Areum to the Ansan branch, Suwon District Prosecutor’s Office, with a proposal for her to be charged with child abuse, child neglect, and child abduction. Areum’s mother was also turned over to the prosecution for being involved in the child abduction. As a result, the Suwon Family Court granted a restraining order against Areum and her mother, prohibiting them from having contact with the children.

After examining the children’s testimonies, investigators observed inconsistencies and found no proof of physical abuse. A statement analysis expert hypothesized that Areum may have coerced the children into making their statements.

A’s attorney explained that they refrained from addressing Areum’s untrue allegations previously due to her status as the children’s biological mother. They cautioned Areum against continuing to slander A and making baseless accusations.

In 2019, Areum and A got married and started a family with their two sons. However, during the divorce proceedings, Areum revealed that she was pregnant with her boyfriend Seo Dong-hoon’s child and planned to remarry. It was later discovered that Areum and Seo Dong-hoon had borrowed money from acquaintances using deceitful tactics, causing over 10 people to become victims and resulting in losses of approximately 40 million won. Seo Dong-hoon also disclosed to Dispatch that Areum had manipulated evidence and coerced their children into making false statements.