Why is he lying about BTS SUGA? ARMY questions culture critic's claims as he 'cries' about online attacks by fans

Over the past few days, the hot topic in South Korea has shifted from the mysterious death of a senior official from the state-run Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) or the allegations of sexual harassment by an unidentified former employee of ADOR against CEO Min Hee Jin. 

Instead, the focus has turned to rapper SUGA from the world’s biggest boy band, BTS, who was involved in an accident with what is reported to be an electric kickboard. He is currently under investigation for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), and the media scrutiny seems relentless.

ALSO READ | Is BTS' SUGA used as bait? Media silence on anti-corruption officer's death leading probe against South Korea's First Lady raises questions by ARMY

So, when South Korean culture critic Jung Min Jae made claims about SUGA, the BTS fandom became upset, demanding an apology for spreading false information online. In an interview with The Korea Times, Jung addressed the controversy surrounding the BTS member, offering his perspective on the potential consequences for SUGA and his place in the group. 

Jung stated that South Korea's sentiment has worsened due to SUGA allegedly providing misinformation. He said, "We will still have to wait for the results of the police investigation. However, not only did he drive drunk, but he also repeatedly provided misleading explanations, which has deeply disappointed Korean fans."

@minjae_jung
We demand you to retract your words, accusing BTS SUGA of "repeatedly providing misleading explanations", accusing him of lying despite him proven to be telling the truth!

Have shame for defaming your "Nation's pride" based on lies of Korean media as a critic! pic.twitter.com/WFi3q9gRsC

— ⟭BlueeDenise⁷⁼¹⟬ 아포방포💜 (@BlueeDenise) August 14, 2024

However, it turned out that SUGA's apology note was accurate, as confirmed by CCTV footage. International fans took to social media to challenge Jung, demanding that he retract his statements and apologize for accusing SUGA of 'repeatedly providing misleading explanations,' despite evidence proving otherwise. They criticized him for defaming SUGA, whom they consider a 'nation's pride,' based on false claims from Korean media.

ALSO READ | SUGA challenge: BTS ARMY fights off BLACKPINK, NewJeans, aespa fans and fake Korean news

But, instead of addressing the questions raised, Jung engaged in arguments with ARMY online, which only fueled the controversy. He also revealed that international fans were attacking his wife on social media. In the process, Jung disclosed the identities of those involved, which many considered unethical.

요즘 하이브의 위기관리 능력이 의심스럽다. 음주 운전 후의 입장문에 "인명 피해나 재산 피해가 발생하지 않았다"는 말을 굳이 넣은 것부터 이상했다. 이렇게 치명적인 일을 두고 어떻게 "여러 정황을 세밀하게 살피지 못하고 서둘러 입장문을 발표해 혼란을 야기"할 수 있나. 왜 이렇게 허술한가.

— 정민재 (@minjae_jung) August 7, 2024

Critic Jung Min Jae explained, "They even went so far as to find my wife's Instagram and leave comments. Fortunately, both my wife and I are used to dealing with situations like this, but it's still hard to shake off a creepy feeling. Why did SUGA have to drive under the influence and cause all this chaos everywhere? Is it so difficult to live a decent life and follow the law properly?"

이 일로 아내의 인스타그램까지 찾아가 댓글을 남긴 이들이 있다고. 다행히 나도 아내도 이런 일엔 도가 튼 사람들인데, 좀 징그러운 기분이 드는 건 어쩔 수 없네. 슈가는 대체 왜 음주 운전을 해서 여기저기 이따위 패악질을 보게 하나. 인생 똑바로 법 지켜가며 멀쩡히 사는 게 그렇게 힘든가. https://t.co/rxNK2Uh1q1 pic.twitter.com/LiltqS6mWJ

— 정민재 (@minjae_jung) August 15, 2024

While he tries to garner sympathy from K-Netz and BTS critics, ARMY is questioning why he is lying about SUGA and still not addressing the main issues. ARMY wants answers about why he believed SUGA was lying and where he sourced his information, given that the police investigation is still ongoing.

i know you too will be sued for the false news you made and for inciting people to harassment 🔜👀😆
아직도 잘못된 정보를 퍼뜨리고 계시네요.

— 🧜🏻‍♀️⁷ (@feronnia) August 15, 2024

그래서 이제 당신은 우리가 당신을 괴롭힌다며 피해자 역할을 하고 싶어합니다. 하지만 당신이 언론인으로서의 권력과 지위를 이용하여 슈가의 명예를 훼손하고 심지어 당신이 잘못한 것이 없는 것처럼 오만하게 행동해도 괜찮았습니까? 이런 행동을 함 아미 잘못되었고 당신이 슈가에게 사과한 후에…

— M⁷🌙 (@itsmahekkk) August 15, 2024

You keep playing the victim card, you keep spreading misinformation and you keep harassing a person (Y00NGI). Be professional, you’re supposed to be a journalist! Take your job seriously and stop lying to the public

— 𝕄𝕖́𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕊 ⁷아포방포 (@melinas1998) August 15, 2024

About SUGA's DUI:

After being found operating an electric scooter while inebriated, SUGA, also known as Min Yoongi, was booked for driving under the influence (DUI) on Tuesday, August 6 (KST). Reports indicating that the scooter might not satisfy the requirements for personal mobility equipment further complicated the matter. 

Renting an electric kickboard in South Korea requires a license, and users are subject to the same traffic regulations as drivers of motor vehicles. 

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