BTS member Suga, aka Min Yoongi, has been formally charged by the prosecution.
On September 10, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office announced that it has filed charges against the 31-year-old BTS member for drunk driving.
Chief Prosecutor Chu Hye-yoon of the 2nd Criminal Division stated that a summary indictment has been filed against Suga, who is accused of violating the Road Traffic Act by driving under the influence.
Given the minor nature of the offense, it is expected that the court will impose a fine on the Haegeum rapper instead of pursuing a full trial or severe punishment.
In a summary indictment, the court is requested to impose fines and penalties without a formal trial, relying on written submissions instead. The exact amounts of the fines and penalties are not made public.
On the night of August 6, Suga was found by police near his home in Hannam-dong, Seoul, after falling off an electric scooter while intoxicated.
At the time, his blood alcohol level was 0.227%, significantly exceeding the 0.08% limit for license revocation. According to the Road Traffic Act, a blood alcohol concentration of 0.2% or higher can result in:
- Imprisonment for 2-5 years
- A fine of 10-20 million won
On August 23, Suga arrived at Yongsan Police Station where he was investigated for about 3 hours. He apologized to fans while talking to the press and did not answer any other questions. The case was then forwarded to the prosecution.
He issued a second apology through Weverse after the police investigation. He apologized for hurting and disappointing fans and tarnishing the reputation of BTS.
SUGA is currently fulfilling his military service as a social service worker, set to be discharged in June 2025.