BTS SUGA (Min Yoongi, 31) can not seem to catch a break after the recent drunk driving controversy.
Even since the news broke out, the 31-year-old is facing intense media scrutiny after driving an electric scooter while intoxicated.
The constant headlines and attention have raised questions about whether the Korean media is being fair, or if they are blowing the incident out of proportion.
False information, fake CCTV footage, and twisted facts surrounding the SUGA’s drunk driving incident have left everyone confused. It has made it harder for fans and the public to know what’s true and what’s not.
SUGA Drunk Driving Incident
In the late hours of August 6, around 11:10 PM, SUGA was involved in an incident while riding an electric scooter in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The incident unfolded near Nine One Hannam, where SUGA had fallen after losing control.
The riot police officers suspected that he might be under the influence and administered a breathalyzer test, which revealed a blood alcohol level of 0.227% – above the legal limit.
Earlier that evening, SUGA had been reportedly out with friends at a restaurant and then at his studio nearby, where he drank alcohol. He later chose to ride his scooter a short distance home, which is where the incident took place.
On August 7, news broke that SUGA had been caught drunk driving. The story took a controversial turn when JTBC, a Korean media outlet, released CCTV footage that was later revealed to be false.
SUGA and BIGHIT MUSIC’s Initial Response
Shortly after the news broke, SUGA took to Weverse on August 7 to apologize to fans for disappointing them. He admitted to drinking at dinner on August 6 and going home by riding an electric scooter.
The Daechwita rapper revealed that he was unaware that it was not legal to ride an electric scooter after drinking. He also confessed to falling in front of his residence when trying to park the electric scooter, however, admitted that no one was hurt.
He repeatedly apologized and assured fans that nothing like this would ever happen again. BIGHIT MUSIC issued a formal statement, explaining how the incident occurred.
The label and SUGA were criticized after their first statements for using misleading terms like ‘electric kickboard’ to minimize the severity of the incident.
As the criticism grew, BIGHIT MUSIC released a follow-up statement, debunking rumors of downplaying the incident.
They admitted to mistakenly calling the vehicle an “electric kickboard” without realizing that its categorization may vary.
The agency shared that they did not intend to downplay the incident with their initial statement.
BIGHIT MUSIC also admitted to being unaware of the remaining investigative procedures beyond the breathalyzer test. They thought the case was closed, but later understood that there are further steps to be taken.
The agency vowed to take full responsibility for the incident once the authorities decided on the vehicle’s categorization and any resulting penalties.
Impact on Military Service
Since the incident happened outside of his work schedule, it will not have any impact on his military service.
He is not obliged to serve extra days because of the recent incident, as confirmed by a Military Manpower Administration. There will be no military punishment or extension in the military service period.
Accusations of Neglect of Military Service and On-site Inspection Ordered by Military Manpower Administration
Following the incident, an eyewitness, who allegedly attended military training with SUGA in November 2023, claimed that he did not take responsibilities seriously.
According to the trainee, SUGA, who was the group leader, consistently skipped classes and slept through crucial training sessions.
A civil complaint has been filed against the BTS member with the Seoul Regional Military Manpower Administration. The complaint asks for a thorough investigation into whether he attended his military service as required.
As per reports, the Seoul Regional Military Manpower Administration will conduct an on-site inspection at his workplace in Yongsan-gu next week. The inspection aims to verify if he received any special treatment or exemptions from regular attendance rules, and if any illegal activities occurred.
Release of Accurate CCTV Footage
JTBC and Yonhap News were criticized for releasing the false CCTV footage. As a result, SUGA faced massive backlash for lying about the incident.
Nearly a week later after the incident, on August 14, Dong-A Ilbo released accurate CCTV footage that confirmed SUGA’s initial account of the incident.
He was seen riding an electric scooter at a very slow speed on the sidewalk and fell right in front of his house.
Vehicle Classification
In South Korea, electric scooters are legally considered vehicles and are subject to the regulations outlined in the Road Traffic Act.
As reported by Dispatch on August 9, his electric scooter did not qualify as a Personal Mobility (PM) device, however, authorities have yet to officially announce the category of the vehicle after the investigation.
To qualify as a Personal Mobility (PM) device, a vehicle must have a top speed of less than 25 km/h and a weight of under 30 kg.
According to reports, his scooter is classified as a motorized bicycle, and he will face legal consequences similar to those for driving a car under the influence.
Potential Legal Consequences
As reported by DongA Ilbo, SUGA’s breathalyzer test showed a blood alcohol level of 0.227%, far exceeding the legal limit.
Under Korean law, operating an electric scooter with a blood alcohol level of:
- 0.08%-0.2% can result in 1-2 years imprisonment or a fine of 5-10 million won
- 0.2% or higher can lead to 2-5 years imprisonment or a fine of 10-20 million won
Given his blood alcohol level of 0.227%, he may face severe penalties if the reading is confirmed.
SUGA’s penalty will be determined based on factors such as his prior record, incident circumstances, damages, and distance traveled while intoxicated.
First Round of Police Questioning
SUGA arrived at the police station for the first round of questioning on August 23 at 7:45 PM KST, 17 days after the incident. He was investigated for 3 hours and left the station at around 11 PM.
When talking to the press, he repeatedly apologized to fans and people who supported him for disappointing them and assured them that such an incident would never happen again.
Media Scrutiny and Protests From Anti-Fans
Korean media’s coverage is criticized worldwide for crossing the line. SUGA has faced excessive attention from the media over the past few weeks, with some outlets going too far in their pursuit of a story.
Many media outlets have relentlessly spread false information, such as the rumored drunk driving challenge by ARMY on social media, airing a false CCTV report about the incident.
They went as far as claiming that SUGA’s case led to the suspension of special leave for social service workers, which was later proven to be untrue.
Fans are outraged that the Kmedia outlets are trying to tarnish the reputation of the Snooze rapper.
In addition, several protests were organized by anti-fans, demanding his withdrawal from the group. Many Korean fans sent wreaths to the HYBE headquarters and rolled out protest trucks on the streets of Seoul.
Support from ARMYs and Friends
Setting aside the media scrutiny and growing criticism, ARMYs continue to support SUGA and believe that the incident is blown out of proportion by the media.
They have been recharting his old songs on major music platforms. His tracks The Last (released in 2016) and Polar Night (dropped last year) have been topping the iTunes charts. Fans have been streaming his songs to show their support for him.
His friend EL CAPITXN, author of Pachinko Lee Min Jin, actress Alicia Hannah Kim, Miu Sakamoto, and more have shown their support for the member.
On another note, SUGA began his military service as a public social worker in September 2023 and is set to be discharged in June 2025.