Former T-ARA’s Areum Claims She Was Coerced By Boyfriend Into Swindling Money

Former T-ARA member Areum has made claims that her ex-boyfriend coerced her into swindling her followers.

Areum | @areum0ju/Instagram

On April 19, KST, SPOTV News reported that the former idol had broken up with her boyfriend, Seo. The couple was facing accusations of scamming Areum’s fans and acquaintances out of nearly ₩40.0 million KRW (about $29,000 USD). They allegedly used the money to gamble in an online sports betting game called TOTO.

Areum (right) and her boyfriend (left) | Nate

Soon after this report, reporter-turned-controversial YouTuber Lee Jin Ho posted a new video on his channel about this situation, claiming that Areum had emailed him with an email compiling all the evidence and anecdotes supporting her claims. He also shared the content of his phone call with the singer, in which she claimed that she was forced into scamming people.

I have never committed fraud with Mr. Seo. Instead, I was assaulted by him. He imprisoned me at home with my children for several months, forcing me to take out loans.

— Areum

She also denied using the money for gambling and claimed that it was Seo who did it with her phone.

I have never played TOTO (a sports betting game) either. Mr. Seo took away my phone and played the game.

— Areum

Lee Jin Ho expressed his skepticism about Areum being a one-sided victim, to which the singer responded by reiterating that she was coerced and that most of the money she received in her account was then redirected to Seo’s bank account.

Account receipts showing Seo received the money | Nate News

Lee, however, showed a screenshot of an alleged text conversation between Areum and Seo, where the singer could be seen admitting that she borrowed money for gambling.

Alleged text sent to Seo by Areum | Nate News

F*ck, but I played TOTO with the money I borrowed, so why are you bothered by it, oppa? Is it because I used oppa‘s account? And what about it? I’m a celebrity. Do you want me to do it from my own account?? I told you last time as well. And I did it for only three days anyway! And I said I won’t play TOTO after that. Who are you to tell me to leave and not do stuff? You talk like a f*cking piece of shit.If I leave, I’ll decide for myself. Don’t give me orders. If you want to sleep, go to sleep. If you want to come out, come out. If you want to f*cking sue me, go ahead. You’ll be good at it, too, oppa. But I bet you can’t because of Mideum. LOL. [Expletives] EYou’re making me feel like sh*t right now, stop it.

— Areum’s message above

Areum further claimed that she had returned all the funds to whoever had sent them. She also plans to file a lawsuit against Seo, hoping that it might clarify her stance.

Lee Jin Ho’s video also mentioned that Seo completely denied these accusations. The YouTuber concluded that the situation needs to be examined by investigative authorities, given the contradicting statements and the complications involved.

Meanwhile, Areum has been in the spotlight for the past few weeks after she exposed the abuse of her former husband. The news was followed by accusations of her and her fiancé scamming people out of money, which she refuted vehemently. You can read more about it here.