Recent reports from Korean media indicate that BTS‘s Suga is currently under investigation by the Yongsan Police Station for allegedly violating traffic laws related to drunk driving on an electric scooter. In South Korea, electric kickboards, also known as electric scooters, can only be rented and operated with a valid license, reflecting strict safety regulations akin to those for cars.
According to police accounts, Suga was discovered alone on the street during the night of August 6, 2024, following purportedly riding the electric scooter while intoxicated. A patrolling officer detected the smell of alcohol and subsequently escorted him to the nearby police station for further inquiry.
Updates from the police reveal the outcome of Suga’s breathalyzer test. Although the exact percentage was not disclosed, authorities indicated it exceeded the legal limit of 0.08%, potentially jeopardizing his driving license.
On August 7, 2024, BigHit Music issued a statement to address the matter. The statement was posted on BTS’s official community board.
“Hello, this is BigHit Music. We apologize for the matter of BTS’s member Suga driving home on an electric scooter while drunk. On the night of August 6, Suga used a helmet while driving an electric scooter home after drinking. He had driven around 500m before he parked and fell down. Through a police officer who had been nearby, a breathalyzer test was conducted, and as per the results, Suga’s license was revoked, and he was fined. No casualties occurred through the incident; neither was any property damaged. He was escorted home by the police.
We apologize for disappointing many people through our artist’s unsavory actions. As a public service officer, he conducted himself in a manner that caused rife in society, and thus, he plans on duly receiving the appropriate punishment from his workplace. We will be even more cautious to prevent similar matters from occurring in the future.
Thank you.”
— BigHit Music
You can read more about the initial coverage on the case below.
Korean Public Severely Condemns BTS’s Suga For Drunk Driving Incident
