Three days after BTS’s Suga was charged with DUI, the controversy shows no signs of fading.
On August 9th, comedian Yang Se Chan appeared to take a shot at Suga in a YouTube video where he celebrated reaching a challenge of 120,000 views with a beer. Yang said, “I rode a scooter here today, but I’ll call a designated driver to get home. Drunk driving is a no-go.” The timing of the video—not sure if intentional or not—released just two days after Suga’s DUI incident, caught the attention of netizens, quickly racking up over 200,000 views within 16 hours.
Suga was found intoxicated in a main street of Hannam-dong, Seoul, on August 6th after falling off an electric scooter. When the police arrived to assist him, they detected alcohol on his breath, leading to a breathalyzer test that revealed his blood alcohol concentration was above the license revocation level (0.08%). As a result, Suga was charged with violating the Road Traffic Act (DUI).
Initially, both Suga and BigHit Music described the incident as a fall from an electric kickboard. However, police investigations revealed that the vehicle in question was an electric scooter capable of speeds up to 30 km/h. While a kickboard offense would result in a fine and possible license suspension, a scooter DUI can carry penalties of one to two years in prison or a fine ranging from 5 to 10 million KRW (approximately 3,800 to 7,600 USD).
In response, BigHit Music issued another apology, stating, “There was no intention to downplay the matter. We will comply with the authorities’ classification and take full responsibility.”
The incident has also caused a rift within ARMY. While some fans have flooded Suga’s personal accounts with messages of love and support, others are calling for him to leave the group, arguing that his actions have tarnished BTS’s reputation.
Adding fuel to the fire, Suga’s lyrics from his solo track “Daechwita” have resurfaced, sparking debate. In the song, Suga criticizes other idols, saying, “I’m truly thankful. That I’m a genius. How pathetic to rely on drugs for such reasons. It just means you have no talent.” The irony of these lyrics, given his recent DUI, has not gone unnoticed.
On August 9th afternoon, it has been confirmed that the electric scooter Suga was driving is not classified as a personal mobility device. In this case, he will face criminal penalties under the same standards as for drunk driving with a car.
A representative from the Yongsan Police Station stated in a phone call with Dispatch on the 9th, “Suga was driving an electric scooter. After checking the device, it was confirmed that it is not included as a personal mobility device.”
I think ppl have more significant problems. He had some alcohol, not hardcore drugs. Isn’t it quite common for ppl to consume alcohol socially in Korea? I think those who criticise BTS for this were never really fans but undercover haters.
Lol do you understand that suga boarded the scooter under alcohol influence and he fell down because of that. He could endanger other people life with his reckless behaviour and you compare alcohol with drugs consumption? Dont turn blind eyes just because you want to defend him.