BTS's Suga Faces Backlash Over Drunk Driving Incident
Suga, a member of the globally renowned group BTS, appeared before the police for questioning 17 days after being implicated in a drunk driving incident. The police investigation lasted approximately three hours.
After the investigation, Suga issued an apology, stating, "I deeply regret my actions and the pain and disappointment I have caused. I will ensure that such an incident never happens again," repeatedly bowing his head in remorse.
However, controversy arose as Suga did not immediately report to the police following the incident. It took him a full 17 days to finally appear and offer an apology.
According to the police, on the night of the 6th, around 11:27 PM, Suga was involved in an accident while riding an electric scooter on a street in Hannam-dong, Yongsan District. He is facing charges of drunk driving under the Road Traffic Act. At the time, Suga's blood alcohol concentration was 0.227%, nearly three times the legal limit for license revocation, which is 0.08%.
The incident alone has drawn significant criticism, but allegations of downplaying the severity of the situation have further tarnished his reputation. At the time, Suga and his agency, BigHit Music, stated that "after drinking at a meal, he rode an electric kickboard to return home, unaware that operating the vehicle while intoxicated was illegal." They claimed that the close proximity to his destination led to his oversight of the traffic laws.
However, suspicions have emerged that Suga and BigHit Music may have intentionally downplayed the incident by referring to the vehicle as an "electric kickboard" instead of an "electric scooter," potentially to reduce the severity of the penalties.
Under the Motor Vehicle Management Act, both electric kickboards and electric scooters are classified as "motor-driven bicycles," but the penalties for drunk driving differ. While drunk driving on an electric kickboard is not subject to the same penalties, an electric scooter can lead to criminal charges, including imprisonment or fines.
It was later revealed that the vehicle Suga was riding was not an electric kickboard but an electric scooter with a seat. Following this revelation, BigHit Music explained, "There was no intention to downplay the incident," attributing the discrepancy to a communication error within the agency. However, the fact that Suga's own apology in the fan community followed the same narrative has fueled further criticism.
Suga's drunk driving incident has sparked a chain of allegations, including reports of negligence during his time as a social service agent and claims of riding the scooter without a license plate.
Currently serving as a social service agent to fulfill his military duty, Suga's involvement in a drunk driving incident during his service period has led to heightened controversy. The Military Manpower Administration stated that the incident occurred outside of his duty hours and would not result in any additional disciplinary action.
It is speculated that Suga's delayed appearance at the police station was a strategic move, possibly orchestrated with his agency and legal team, to minimize the legal consequences.
In contrast to other cases, such as that of singer Kim Ho-joong, where various charges were applied but the drunk driving charge was excluded due to the absence of a field sobriety test, Suga's blood alcohol concentration was measured on the spot, with the result being 0.227%, nearly three times the legal limit.
This incident is a severe blow to Suga's reputation as a global star. As a member of BTS, a group with immense influence both domestically and internationally, Suga's actions have significantly marred the legacy he and the group have built.
BTS and Suga have been seen as symbols of hope for many young people, making this incident all the more disappointing. A momentary lapse in judgment has led to significant regret and backlash.
In addition to facing public disappointment, Suga may also face legal repercussions. Unlike electric kickboards, electric scooters are subject to criminal penalties, including imprisonment or fines, making it necessary to monitor any further legal developments in this case.