BTS IS SEVEN! I-ARMY, netizens puzzled over Koreans asking SUGA to leave the group

BTS' SUGA is facing unprecedented backlash following his DUI and the alleged attempt to cover it up. On August 7, SUGA apologized for the drunk driving incident on his Weverse account. However, on August 9, it was reported that his blood alcohol level was eight times over the legal limit. According to an exclusive report from Donga Ilbo, the Yongsan Police Station measured his blood alcohol content at 0.227% after he fell from a seated scooter.

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This situation could result in a prison sentence of 2-5 years or a fine ranging from ₩10.0 million KRW (about $7,290 USD) to ₩20.0 million KRW (about $14,600 USD). Given that this is his first offence and no one was injured, he is likely to face a fine rather than prison time. Amidst the controversy, Korean netizens have expressed disappointment and anger, with many calling for SUGA to leave the group. However, this reaction has not been well received by international ARMY and others who have read the news. 

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Many are questioning why such an apology was necessary in the first place for what they view as a minor incident, especially when more serious offenders like idols who have past being sexual assaulters and bullies are facing fewer consequences and still active. Some people, even those unfamiliar with K-pop or BTS, are questioning why this incident is newsworthy if no one was injured or seriously affected.

Seeing the uproar from K-Netz, the ARMY came together and started the trend "BTS IS 7" or "BTS IS SEVEN" on X (formerly known as Twitter) to state that whatever happens, it will always be the 7 men - Kim Namjoon, Kim Seokjin, Min Yoongi, Jung Hoseok, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung and Jeon Jung-kook.

They are even encouraging BigHit Music to protect their artist from all the malicious comments online.

In South Korea, electric kickboards can only be rented with a valid license, and riders must adhere to many of the same traffic laws as other motor vehicles. According to a report by SE Daily, the fatality rate for e-scooter traffic accidents is 5.6%, which is 4.3 times higher than the overall traffic accident fatality rate.

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