If BTS SUGA wasn't lying and Traffic Director unclear on e-scooter classification; ARMY ask what was the drama about?
This update over BTS SUGA's case has come about a month and four days after his drunk driving incident first came to light.
Updated : September 11, 2024 03:04 PM ISTThis update over BTS SUGA's case has come about a month and four days after his drunk driving incident first came to light.
BTS SUGA
After the media trial, harassment, and online bullying, the case surrounding BTS rapper Min Yoongi, aka SUGA, has finally concluded— or has it? Recent reports indicate that the rapper, also known as AGUST D, has been fined through a summary indictment process without a formal trial. This update comes about a month and four days after his drunk driving incident first came to light.
On September 10, Korean media outlet Yonhap News reported that BTS' SUGA had been summarily indicted at the Seoul Western District Prosecutor's Office, Criminal Division 2 (led by Chief Prosecutor Chu Hye Yoon). He has been fined under the Road Traffic Act for driving an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol. The exact amount of the fine has not yet been disclosed.
Interestingly, his blood alcohol content was not revealed. After days of news outlets reporting it was 0.227%—at least eight times higher than the legal limit in South Korea—there is now no discussion about his alcohol intake.
[#SugaHQ_Articles] FORBES | Suga Owns Half Of An Entire Billboard Chart🔥
— Min Suga HQ⁷ (@MINSUGAHQ) September 10, 2024
“Suga occupies 50% of all the spaces on one Billboard chart this week. That kind of showing is uncommon, especially for an artist who hasn’t just released a new batch of songs or an album. Yet, the South… pic.twitter.com/RyBx09HhgD
What's shocking is that even the Director of Road Traffic could not provide a clear answer regarding the classification of SUGA's electric scooter. During a briefing on August 9, Assemblyman Yoon presented a photo of the electric scooter driven by SUGA to the Director of Urban Transportation. According to Naver, he asked whether the vehicle in question was classified as an electric scooter or a motorcycle.
ALSO READ | 'BTS is 7!': ARMY furious after SUGA left out of 'K-pop Global Idol Group' ad amid DUI drama
When the Director gave an incorrect answer, Assemblyman Yoon pointed out, "Citizens are not well aware of the different operational regulations for each of vehicle," adding, "This highlights the lack of sufficient education and publicity by the Seoul Metropolitan Government."
Assemblyman Yoon further commented, "Even though PM (Personal Mobility) devices have been used for several years, a safe driving culture has not been established. It seems unlikely that the current level of regulation or public education will lead to any improvements."
Even the Director of Road Traffic couldn’t provide a clear answer regarding the classification of Suga's electric scooter.
— aespann jeans (@jjinjins) September 10, 2024
Meanwhile, during the briefing, Assemblyman Yoon presented a photo of the electric scooter driven by BTS member Suga, who was recently caught for drunk… pic.twitter.com/tMyXp8LgIZ
ARMY, the fans of BTS, have since started stating that SUGA was truthful in his initial apology. Many on X (formerly known as Twitter) are relieved that the case is finally resolved, but some remain wary that he could be used as a scapegoat if something serious occurs in South Korea.
ALSO READ | South Korean media's fixation on BTS' SUGA continues amid alarming revelations of secret Telegram s*x chats
Fans also question why he was subjected to such scrutiny for an incident that did not cause harm, especially when more severe cases are resolved swiftly.
the thing about 🐱's case is that from his original statement, he never once lied.
— ✿❀cam❀✿⁷ loves yoongi (@camlovesyoongi) September 10, 2024
-he drove what he believed was a kickboard scooter
-he followed safety requirements and wore a helmet
-he fell in front of his house while attempting to park
-he was stopped by 👮♀️ and cooperated…
if the DIRECTOR OF ROAD TRAFFIC himself doesn't know the classification of the e-scooter, then how could they expect a citizen to know and understand the law?? https://t.co/gwXIifZ3Ei
— SYU(ga)ᴮᵀˢ ᶦˢ ⁷💜 (@syugacookie) September 10, 2024
What really is pissing me off is how Knetizens , police and govt. are all so much focused on to Suga when they should be taking care of rapists and drug consuming people , and Taeil! But helll nawww they be bothering Yoongi instead. Lmao what a shameless country #westandwithSuga
— xoyena (@leah_Army7) September 10, 2024
South Korea
— ⁸RMSUGASTANBTS∞ #MeganXRM NEVA PLAY (@Valluvar4) September 10, 2024
Your media must think they had fun dragging Suga
Antis and KPOOPs also had a laugh. But know that the whole world knows now how corrupt SOUTH KOREA is. What a TRASH their MEDIA is Police is SYSTEM IS. You should be ashamed now
SOUTH KOREA MEDIA TRASH pic.twitter.com/YP40ygXGrz
Where is BTS SUGA?
SUGA is currently serving as a social service agent—an alternative form of military service in South Korea. He is expected to be relieved from his duties by June 2025.
While Jin was discharged in June and is busy with work, brand deals, and preparing for his solo album, the rest are expected to be discharged by 2025. Rapper J-Hope will be relieved of his duties in October 2024, with the remaining members expected to complete their service around June 2025.