‘Social Service Worker’ BTS’s Suga Won’t Face Consequences for Drunk Driving, Active-Duty Soldiers Complain

The Seoul Yongsan Police Station announced on August 7th that BTS’s Suga (real name Min Yoon-gi) was recently charged with violating the Road Traffic Act. This was after he was caught riding an electric scooter while under the influence of alcohol in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, on the 6th. Despite currently serving in the military as a social service worker since September of last year, Suga will face punishment as a civilian rather than as a soldier or public official. According to the Military Manpower Administration, if a social service worker commits a crime outside of working hours, they will only face civil punishment and no secondary disciplinary action.

The regulations for managing social service workers have specific provisions on maintaining dignity (Article 8) and the scope of behaviors that disrupt work discipline (Article 29-2). However, these regulations do not apply to actions taken outside of working hours, even for social service workers. A representative from the Military Manpower Administration clarified that the Military Service Act does not have separate measures for matters occurring outside of working hours, as they are not related to military duties. This rule applies equally to all social service workers.

The social service worker system is designed for individuals who have been deemed eligible for alternative military service after undergoing an examination. This system allows them to serve in public institutions or other areas where their services are needed. On the other hand, active-duty soldiers who have been deemed fit for active service and serve in the military are subject to the Military Criminal Act. If they commit any off-duty crimes, they will be tried in military courts.

Some individuals who had previously served as active-duty soldiers questioned if this meant they were also allowed to consume alcohol and operate a vehicle outside of working hours. Kim, a former member of the Marine Corps, expressed frustration, stating that while both active-duty soldiers and public service workers face challenges during their military service, it seemed unjust to hold active-duty soldiers to stricter standards. Kim suggested implementing fair regulations, such as stricter punishments for social service workers.

In the meantime, BTS’s Suga has already issued an apology for his incident of drunk driving.