After BTS Suga’s drunk driving incident involving an electric scooter, there has been a heated debate among K-pop fans regarding whether the idol should continue to remain in the group, considering the gravity of the situation.
On August 7, it was reported that BTS member Suga (31), who is currently serving in the military, was arrested by the police for operating an electric scooter while under the influence.
On the 6th, at approximately 11:15 PM KST, the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul charged Suga with violating the Road Traffic Act for drunk driving in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
The report states that the male celebrity consumed alcohol with his acquaintances and then proceeded to operate his electric scooter for approximately 500m. He eventually parked the scooter and fell on his own. The riot police unit provided assistance, but upon noticing the smell of alcohol, the male celebrity was administered a breathalyzer test on site.
Upon receiving a result warranting the revocation of his license, the police have initiated disciplinary procedures, which may result in the cancellation of his license. Following the public disclosure of the DUI incident, the international sensation humbly apologized through his agency, Big Hit.
Despite this, a new dispute emerged when the media discovered discrepancies in his statement, particularly regarding his claim that he rode an electric kickboard instead of an electric scooter with a seat.
This is the CCTV that appeared on Sugar JTBC https://t.co/mfTqLCCGi1 pic.twitter.com/leeF07dwjI
— instiz (@instiz) August 7, 2024
Suga was criticized for minimizing the seriousness of the incident, claiming that using a kickboard would result in a mere $85 fine and license revocation. In comparison, a DUI involving an electric scooter carries a penalty of 1 to 2 years of imprisonment or a fine of $7.27k.
After news of Suga’s apology spread among K-pop fans, ARMYs (BTS fandom) showed their support for him. However, many netizens were dissatisfied with the way his supporters handled the situation, as DUI is considered a serious offense in South Korea.
In the past, many idols have had their careers damaged due to driving under the influence, leading to suggestions that Suga should also depart from BTS.
sa3h33 explaining the seriousness of the situation for those who aren’t from korea. i hope this helps some people understand. pic.twitter.com/tRkrpk4JSi
— sky 🎀 (@kittysmimi) August 7, 2024
K-Netz also delved into recent incidents where regular citizens lost their lives due to DUI with an electric scooter. They criticized Suga and his fans for not recognizing the seriousness of this issue.
Despite BTS Suga’s DUI case, the calls from netizens to remove electric scooters are growing louder.
OH WE LOVE YOU YOONGI 🥹💜 pic.twitter.com/p9fFcRq6a4
— moni⁷ 𖠌 (@sevenrchive) August 7, 2024
Knets find out that the driving distance from the bar where Suga was to his house is more than 500m + knets find other inconsistencies in his apologyhttps://t.co/PUXKw9iVew pic.twitter.com/3Re8PJAZeK
— pannchoa (@pannchoa) August 7, 2024
Meanwhile, despite his new role, Suga will still fulfill his duties as a military social worker until June 2025. As specified by the law, he is expected to uphold his dignity at all times, regardless of whether he is on or off duty.
An official clarified that the punishment he might receive from the military was being discussed.
“It is not a violation of the duty to maintain dignity, as it is drunk driving after work.”
In addition to this response, active-duty soldiers were also voicing their complaints:
“Then can we also drink and drive after work?”
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