On August 7, 2024, BTS‘s Suga was caught drunk driving an electric scooter. Public criticism ensued when it was later found out that BigHit Music and Suga’s initial statements both claimed that he had been riding an electric kickboard. CCTV footage later showed that he had been riding an electric scooter. The latter is much more severe given that they are categorized under two different types of vehicles, with the repercussions on operating after drunk for the latter being more serious.
Around midnight on August 8, 2024, BigHit Music issued another statement to apologize for their previous oversight. They clarified that they did not mean to downplay the incident with their choice of terminology for Suga’s vehicle.
Hello. This is BigHit Music. This is an additional statement about BTS’s member Suga.
Firstly, we apologize sincerely yet again for disappointing many with the unsavory incident. We were unable to carefully review various aspects of it and hurriedly put out a statement, causing confusion.
1) Regarding the use of the word “kickboard”
The company used the term “electric kickboard” as we judged the vehicle in use as a kickboard that had a seat attached to it. In the process of checking, we realized that the categorization for the vehicle differed according to its abilities and specifications, as well as the fact that the spectrum of repercussions for any accident would differ as such. We had no intentions of downplaying the incident because of what has been said to a certain extent. However, conclusively, we apologize for having hurriedly put out a statement without carefully examining things. From now on, we plan on diligently taking responsibility according to the vehicle type as determined by the investigative officers.
— BigHit Music
The company also admitted to having been unable to recognize the severity of the incident. Initially, as the company and Suga’s statements indicated that he had been fined and had his license revoked, netizens accused the company of attempting to indicate that the incident had been concluded, given that the police had stated to the media that investigations were still underway.
2) Regarding the fine and the revoking of his license
On August 6, after Suga underwent the breathalyzer test, he went home immediately. The company and the artist were unable to register the fact that there are remaining steps to the investigative process, and we wrongly believed that the case had been concluded. As we realize the severity of the case, we are sorry for having wrongly communicated information due to mistakes in internal communication.
More so, the artist and company bow their heads in apology to everyone for being unable to act in an exemplary manner and for causing an unsavory incident during his time of service in the military. We are sincerely sorry to the fans who have been disappointed as well.
From now on, we will diligently cooperate in additional investigations from the police, and we will accept the results of the investigations.
— BigHit Music
You can read more about the allegations made against the company for downplaying the matter below.
BigHit Music Gets Called Out For “Lying” About BTS Suga’s Drunk Driving Incident
Source: theqoo
