A police representative has stated that BTS‘s Suga is subject to criminal punishment for operating a vehicle.
In an exclusive statement to media outlet Dispatch, an official from the Yongsan Police Station has stated that the electric scooter Suga was operating is not considered a personal mobility device. Thus, he is subject to criminal punishment on the same basis of driving a car while under the influence of alcohol.
A personal mobility device is classified as a device to move an individual with a maximum speed of 25 kilometers per hour and weighs under 30 kilograms. While many electric scooters are classified as personal mobility devices, the device Suga was operating is classified as a motorized bicycle. In Korea, this carries the same weight as operating a car.
Suga was operating an electric scooter. After investigating the device, we have found that [the scooter model] is not included in the personal mobility device list.
Operating a personal mobility device would result in administrative measures. [Suga’s scooter] was not a personal mobility device. Therefore, he can be subject to criminal punishment for driving under the influence.
— Yongsan Police
The police’s investigation schedule into the case has not been set yet. Under the Road Traffic Act, driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher is subject to punishment of a fine between ₩5.00 million KRW (about $ 3,650 USD) to ₩10.0 million KRW (about $ 7,290 USD) or a prison sentence of 1-2 years.
Earlier, the Military Manpower Association confirmed Suga would not face extra punishment from the military.
Korea’s Military Makes Decision On Whether BTS’s Suga Will Face Additional Consequences For DUI Scandal
Source: Dispatch
