BTS member Suga, who is currently serving in the military, has been surrounded by controversy after he got involved in a drunk driving case. The rapper was found by the Seoul police under the influence of alcohol while driving an electric scooter in August 2024. He was under investigation for a few months and has finally been fined over 11,000 USD (15 million KRW) in this case. Seoul’s Military Manpower Administration has revealed that Suga has been punished according to the traffic law, not a military law because the incident took place outside his working hours.
According to the police, his blood alcohol level was 0.227 percent, nearly three times what is permitted by law. Moreover, his driving license has already been revoked. Suga faced public and media scrutiny after the incident came to light and publicity apologised as well. Many people also demanded the removal of Suga from BTS, whereas, his fans also showed their support in this difficult situation.
After receiving backlash online for deliberately trying to undermine the situation, Suga penned an apology note for fans. He wrote on Weverse, “On August 6, I made the mistake of driving an electric scooter on the sidewalk after drinking. Also, I am sorry for the confusion I caused following my first apology I hastily posted on August 7. I should have thought more deeply about my actions and have been more careful, but I did not.”
He further added, “Due to this incident, I have severely damaged the precious memories I have made with the BTS members and the fans and have hurt BTS’s name. I feel very sorry and am in pain for causing harm to the BTS members and the team, to the point I cannot express fully. I am sorry to the members who have always trusted me because they are having a hard time because of me. And I know how disappointed the fans, who have supported me, must feel. I just feel so sorry to the fans who have always given me so much love… “
Regretting his action, Suga concluded the note, “I know that it will be difficult to heal the wounds and repair the disappointment my fans feel with my words, so I am regretting my actions and will reflect on them with a heavy heart every day. Once again, I sincerely apologize to the fans who were hurt by my actions.”
Suga will return from the military in 2025 and reunite with other BTS members in the same year.
