BTS' SUGA faces media harassment: South Korean journalists threaten Min Yoongi for photo outside police station; ARMY reacts strongly
Many South Korean journalists made it their mission to assert that if SUGA did not pose for pictures outside the police station, it would guarantee his guilt and damage his reputation.
Updated : August 20, 2024 03:26 PM ISTMany South Korean journalists made it their mission to assert that if SUGA did not pose for pictures outside the police station, it would guarantee his guilt and damage his reputation.
BTS' SUGA
Rapper SUGA, a member of the world's biggest boy band, BTS, has been embroiled in drama, speculation, and fake news over the past few weeks. Min Yoongi, also known as AGUST D, was involved in an incident where he rode an electric scooter, also known as a kickboard, while under the influence of alcohol (DUI). Although CCTV footage revealed that he caused no harm, wore a helmet, followed the designated path which was marked for kickboards and pedestrians to walk, and fell only while taking a sharp turn, media scrutiny has been relentless.
It has now been reported that the schedule for his summoning at the police station will be confirmed this week. An official from the National Police Agency said at a regular press conference on August 19, "We will investigate in detail the drunk driving incident. The investigation has not yet been conducted."
When asked if SUGA would be photographed at the police station, he replied, "We plan to follow the same standards as other suspect summons procedures," adding, "We can't let him make a photo line on purpose."
경찰은 공개 소환을 훈령으로 금지하고 있다. '경찰 수사 사건 등의 공보에 관한 규칙' 내용 :첨부 사진
— 일곱소년들의 날개 (@Hankook_army) August 20, 2024
출처 : 2023.12.29 조선일보
우리는 지켜보고 있다👁️👁️ pic.twitter.com/MBZctj17IE
Soon after this news went viral, many South Korean journalists made it their mission to assert that if SUGA did not pose for pictures outside the police station, it would guarantee his guilt and damage his reputation. This coverage has infuriated ARMY, who have criticized those threatening the idol to pose for photos, likening it to treating him as a criminal who has caused harm while driving under the influence.
Many took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their frustration and question the integrity of South Korean journalists, highlighting that SUGA has maintained a relatively scandal-free reputation over his years as a K-pop idol.
Police cant have a publicized summons and reporters aren't allowed to take pics and more
— ⟭BlueeDenise⁷⁼¹⟬ 아포방포💜 (@BlueeDenise) August 20, 2024
If it happens, its a violation of law https://t.co/HgPzPCw7Mi
“Suga may face greater criticism if he enters the police station while avoiding eyes of reporters” really sir?? Is this how you do your job now? Indirectly threatening Suga just to get what you want? Just how toxic and unprofessional you are!! pic.twitter.com/lwCmE13ptR
— Strong power, thank you (@ryianseven) August 20, 2024
Honestly, this is not journalism. These are tabloids who care only about views on their articles and don't bother doing proper research.
— paula⁷ (@sugatheartist) August 20, 2024
The only line of truth in Sugar-Free article: It's hard to give up SUGA. pic.twitter.com/2sIu2mpRnz
GASLIGHTER. KOREAN MEDIA IS FUCKING SHIT. BLACKMAILING HIM TO STAND IN THE PHOTO LINE IN FRON OF THE POLICE STATION. SUGA MAY NOT OSTRACIZE REPORTERS BUT YOU CAN’T SAY THE SAME WITH ARMY RIGHT? YOU JUST FUCKING WAIT. WE’LL HIT HARD FULL FORCE. https://t.co/NGqEBJ7czj
— tin ✨ (@tinbtsacct) August 14, 2024
"Some reporters and netizens are demanding that Suga stand in a police photo lineup. Why? So he’ll be humiliated. OK, then, how about having the JTBC editors who authorized the slandering of Suga to do the lineup first?" 🔥🔥
— Untitled Preet⁷⁼¹ (@triviapreet) August 20, 2024
They better watch their backs https://t.co/Nn8GR9Vaqs
The police have banned public summons by order. Contents of 'Rules on Public Announcement of Police Investigation Cases, etc.': Attached photo
— 구쿠산 (@focusonjeon_) August 20, 2024
Police cant have a publicized summons and reporters aren't allowed to take pics and more pic.twitter.com/aROsI7HAmy
Police said they would not make him do the photo line, but that they could not prevent the media from lying and wait for him to show up for his meeting with the police. So basically condoning the media taking photos anyway.
— SUGA’S WHISPER ⁷⁼¹ ʷᶦᵗʰ ᵇᵗˢ🥢WAITING FOR 2025 (@SugasWhisper1) August 19, 2024
Regarding SUGA's case:
The rapper, who is serving as a social service worker, fell while riding an electric scooter near his home in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on August 6. Police on patrol nearby found him, as CCTV footage shows him speaking with them.
Although many news reports indicate that his blood alcohol level was 0.227%, significantly higher than the license cancellation level (more than 0.08%), there has been no official confirmation from the police on the alcohol level. Nonetheless, South Korean media have widely reported this figure.
Talking about the DUI affecting his social service work, according to the Military Manpower Administration, the incident occurred outside of SUGA's working hours and will not affect his service period.