BTS SUGA is in hot waters due to the recent drunk driving incident!
He has been in the headlines, with various rumors and reports, about the potential legal consequences. Still, the investigation is ongoing, therefore, it is too early to jump to conclusions.
BTS SUGA’s Drunk Driving Incident
SUGA was caught drunk-driving an electric scooter in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on August 6. His blood alcohol level exceeded 0.08%, which is high enough to lead to license revocation.
While the Haegeum rapper himself and BIGHIT MUSIC initially revealed that he was driving an electric kickboard, the CCTV footage showed him riding a foldable electric scooter.
BIGHIT MUSIC later apologized and admitted that they were not aware of the investigative procedures and released the first statement in a rush. They claimed to be unaware of the vehicle specifications and categories and thought the case was closed.
On August 9, authorities determined that the scooter did not qualify as a personal mobility (PM) device. This means SUGA is subject to the same penalties as drunk driving a car.
The scooter’s maximum speed and weight exceeded the limits for a personal mobility device, classifying it as a motorized bicycle. As a result, he will face legal consequences equivalent to driving a car under the influence.
Potential Legal Consequences
According to a report by Dong-A Ilbo, SUGA’s blood alcohol level was found to be 0.227% – significantly higher than the legal limit – when he was breathalyzed by Seoul’s Yongsan Police Station on August 6.
This puts him at risk of increased sentencing. When questioned, the 31-year-old rapper admitted to having had a glass of beer before getting on the scooter.
Under current law, drunk driving an electric scooter with a blood alcohol level of:
- 0.08%-0.2% can result in 1-2 years in prison or a fine of 5-10 million won
- 0.2% or higher can lead to 2-5 years in prison or a fine of 10-20 million won
This means that if SUGA’s blood alcohol level of 0.227% is confirmed, he could face more severe penalties.
Although SUGA was caught drunk driving with a blood alcohol level over 0.08%, his license has not been revoked yet, as reported by police. Typically, a person who is caught drunk driving with a blood alcohol level above 0.08% will have their license revoked and face a one-year ban before being eligible to reapply.
While determining the appropriate penalty for SUGA, authorities will consider any previous criminal record, circumstances, damages, and distance traveled.