This article is part of our coverage of BTS Suga’s DUI Case. You can read more and view the entire timeline here.
An Ilgan Sports exclusive reported that KBS has commented on BTS‘s Suga being banned from the channel.
According to the report made on August 16, 2024 (KST), KBS stated to Ilgan Sports that the channel is yet to decide whether to hold a “Broadcast Appearance Review Committee” meeting for Suga, who has been charged with drunk driving.
We are undecided on holding such a meeting for BTS’s Suga.
— KBS
In an additional statement to Star News, KBS added that Suga’s current status as a soldier serving his military duty does play into the channel’s decision.
Suga is currently serving his alternative military duty, so he is not appearing on any KBS programs. [A ban on Suga’s appearance] is not an issue that needs to be discussed or addressed immediately. Moreover, since his case is under police investigation, we need to wait for the results.
— KBS
KBS does regulate the appearances of individuals involved in illegal activities or social controversies through its Broadcast Appearance Review Committee.
The said “illegal activities” and “social controversies” include being booked, arrested, or sentenced to a prison term greater than probation for avoiding military service, use of prescription drugs or marijuana, fraud, theft, gambling, assault, and sexual misconduct, or any other behavior deemed disruptive to the public order and/or morals.
When the Broadcast Appearance Review Committee decides an individual is problematic, it issues a motion to ban based on how severe their “problem” is. The ban itself comes in different forms, including a “refrain from appearance invitations,” meaning the channel discourages producers from casting the individual on shows, a “temporary appearance suspension” in the case of civil or criminal prosecution, or a “broadcast appearance regulation,” meaning the channel bans the individual from its shows.
Kim Sae Ron, B.I., And More Suspended From Broadcast By KBS Based On DUI Or Illegal Drug Charges
Previously, KBS imposed the “temporary appearance suspension” on actress Kim Sae Ron, who was booked in 2022 for drunk driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.2%, and this ban has not been lifted for two years.
CCTV Footage Of Kim Sae Ron’s Accident Released, Netizens Are Shocked That The Actress Continued Driving
Ilgan Sports added, “Given that Suga’s BAC level was significantly higher than that of Kim Sae Ron’s, it is expected that KBS will inevitably impose a some sort of a ban. If this happens, it will be difficult for BTS to appear as a complete group on KBS, and Suga is likely to be blurred out of any BTS footage.”
Source: Ilgan Sports and Star News
