BTS’s Suga Apologizes for Drunk Driving on E-Scooter

SEOUL (Reuters) – K-pop star Suga, a member of the globally acclaimed boy band BTS, issued an apology on Wednesday after facing fines and having his scooter license revoked due to drunk driving in Seoul, South Korea.

According to Big Hit Music, the label representing BTS and part of K-pop firm HYBE, Suga was riding an electric scooter on Tuesday night, traveling approximately 500 meters before tripping while attempting to park. Nearby police conducted a breathalyzer test, which Suga failed. Consequently, he was fined, and his scooter license was confiscated. The label assured that the incident did not cause any harm to others or property damage.

“I violated the road traffic law because I was comfortable with the idea of being close to home and was not aware that you could not use an electric scooter when you are drunk,” Suga wrote on Weverse, a fan platform owned by HYBE. He added, “I apologize to everyone who has been hurt by my careless and wrong behavior.” Suga’s birth name is Min Yoon-gi.

South Korea mandates that a license is necessary to operate an electric scooter. Penalties can be enforced for drunk driving or causing injuries to others. Following the incident, the police escorted Suga to his residence, as confirmed by Big Hit Music.

This incident highlights that even K-pop idols, who often maintain a squeaky-clean public image, sometimes fall short of expectations.

Since BTS announced a hiatus from group activities in June 2022, its members have focused on solo endeavors and began fulfilling their mandatory military service. At 31, Suga has been involved in social service work to meet his military duty requirements.

In South Korea, all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 are required to serve approximately two years in the military. Some individuals, including high-profile figures like Suga, are permitted to fulfill this obligation through alternative means such as social service work.

Source: Reuters