Korea Media Outrage over BTS’s Suga Drunk-driving Coverage, According to International Media

An article titled “BTS Suga’s Controversy Brings Attention to the Ongoing Pressure Faced by Korean Idols”was recently published by India Today, a media outlet in India. The article highlighted the current situation where some are calling for Suga’s departure from the group due to his electric scooter accident while under the influence, despite no harm caused to others or property.

Despite offering apologies, Suga and his agency have not been able to quell the “hate bandwagon”as the outlet noted. There are concerns about the media being given a “free pass”to criticize Suga without consequences.

On August 27 (local time), Elle India released a piece titled “Examining the Unreasonable Demands and Criticism Faced by K-Pop Idols,” denouncing South Korea for its harsh treatment of K-pop idols. The article pointed out that while Hollywood and Bollywood stars are not expected to apologize for minor things such as dating, weight gain, or marriage, the K-pop idol industry subjects its idols to intense scrutiny from both the Korean media and fans.

According to the media site, Korean celebrities’ well-maintained public image can quickly be tarnished by a single mistake, resulting in severe backlash that negatively impacts both their personal and professional lives. The intense public scrutiny placed upon them often overshadows their creative talents and reduces them to mere objects of public entertainment and judgment, disregarding the personal and professional struggles they may face.

The media outlet also stated that the BTS member had fallen while parking his kickboard in front of his home, despite being on the lowest speed, wearing a helmet, and following the designated path for kickboards. In response to his mistake, the idol issued multiple public apologies to his fans on social media. However, the situation became more chaotic when various South Korean media platforms published manipulated videos, using fake CCTV footage, in an attempt to paint SUGA as a troublemaker within the group and gain views and clicks.

The article pointed out that the Korean media has a history of targeting celebrities instead of focusing on more important issues in the country that they have the power to address for the betterment of society.

In addition, Billboard stood behind Suga, highlighting his numerous apologies and expressing their unwavering faith in him. They also expressed their wish for Suga to successfully fulfill his military duties.

The French magazine *Paris Match* released an article on August 22 (local time) titled “Misinformation and Pressure… What’s Happening to BTS’s Suga?” (translated from French) which stated, “Suga has faced intense scrutiny from the Korean media in recent weeks. He acknowledged his mistake of recklessly riding an electric scooter, and although the dangers of riding one in the city are undeniable, it is perplexing why the journalists are persistently pursuing this issue.”

The article stressed that although Suga’s case is receiving extensive coverage in South Korea, it has not garnered significant attention from other countries.

On the 30th, at approximately 2 PM, the Seoul Yongsan Police Station transferred Suga to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office without detainment. He was charged with violating the Road Traffic Act for driving under the influence.

The source of this information can be found on Daum’s website.