South Korean singer Areum recently came forward with claims of domestic abuse from her ex-husband towards her and their children. Photo: Areum/Instagram
South Korean singer Areum, a former member of the K-pop girl group T-ara, has been hospitalised following an alleged suicide attempt on the early morning of March 27.
According to South Korean media Osen, Areum, whose full name is Lee Areum, she is currently receiving treatment at a hospital but has yet to regain consciousness.
At the time of writing, no further details have been disclosed. However, the report disclosed that Areum had left a suicide note before attempting to take her own life.
Areum, 29, recently came forward with claims of domestic abuse from her ex-husband, businessman Kim Young-gul, towards her and their children.
In an Instagram post on March 25, Areum shared a lengthy statement in which she accused Kim of various misdeeds – including refusing to help with the finances, neglecting their children, assaulting her in front of their kids, as well as dabbling in gambling and prostitution.
The singer also attached two photos of the injuries she allegedly sustained from Kim’s abuse.
According to Korean entertainment portal Koreaboo, Areum once revealed that she got admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after attempting to take her own life due to her deteriorating marriage.
Areum, who married Kim in 2019, announced in an Instagram post on Dec 10 last year that she had filed for a divorce.
She also revealed in the same post that she met a new partner who helped her through her current crisis and plans to marry him once divorce proceedings are settled.
Those suffering from problems can reach out to: Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or WhatsApp 019-261 5999); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre (WhatsApp 0111-959 8214); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929 or www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours).
