BTS’s Suga fined for driving drunk; confusion arises over vehicle type

SEOUL (AP) — Suga, a member of the K-pop sensation BTS, issued an apology on Wednesday for driving an electric vehicle while intoxicated.

Big Hit Music, his label, confirmed that Min Yoon-gi, who is famously known as Suga, had been riding an “electric kickboard” on Tuesday night. He fell while parking it, and a police officer administered a breathalyzer test, which Suga failed. This led to his license being revoked and a fine being imposed.

Though termed as an electric kickboard, police informed local media that Suga’s vehicle had a seat and more closely resembled an electric scooter under traffic law. The type of vehicle influences the penalty for drunk driving.

Yongsan Police Station in Seoul has reportedly charged him for violating the Road Traffic Act. However, it remains unclear whether the police have formally started the investigation process. Multiple attempts to reach the station’s spokesperson yielded no response.

Addressing his fans on Weverse, an online fan platform, Suga expressed deep remorse, explaining he had been driving after consuming alcohol at dinner.

“I come to you with a very heavy heart and deep apologies for disappointing you with this regrettable incident,” Suga wrote on Weverse. “I thought complacently that it was a short distance, not realizing I was not allowed to ride the electric scooter while intoxicated, breaking the road traffic act.”

Suga began his mandatory military service as a social service agent in September 2023. Social service agents typically work regular hours and can return home afterward.

Big Hit Music also issued an apology, stating: “He will accept any disciplinary measures from the place of duty regarding actions that caused social controversy as a social service worker.”

According to a spokesperson from the Military Manpower Administration, the incident will not affect his current status as an agent, as it occurred outside of official working hours.

In South Korea, conscription requires all able-bodied men to serve in the army, navy, or air force for 18-21 months, a system established due to threats from North Korea.

Individuals with specific physical or mental conditions may serve for 21 months in non-military institutions such as welfare centers, community service centers, and post offices.

Source: Associated Press