BTS' SUGA faces media harassment: South Korean journalists threaten Min Yoongi for photo outside police station; ARMY reacts strongly

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.

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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."

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. 

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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.

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. 

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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.

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