Just a warning? BTS ARMY outraged as KCSC lets JTBC off the hook for sharing fake CCTV video of SUGA 'as they apologized'
Interestingly, the same media outlets were unhappy with SUGA's apology on Weverse and pressured him to do a photo op outside the police station—which was illegal.
BTS ARMY over SUGA's case
As part of the world's biggest group—BTS—the seven members face constant media scrutiny, with outlets eager to report any misstep, often forgetting that they are human too. This was evident when rapper SUGA, also known as Min Yoongi and AGUST D, was involved in a DUI incident while riding an electric scooter. Despite CCTV footage showing he caused no harm, wore a helmet, and followed designated paths, the media coverage was relentless.
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After over 100 articles and extensive TV coverage—including fake CCTV footage—BTS fans, known as ARMY, thought this nightmare had come to an end. However, it seems South Korea is just adding more baggage to the already unnecessarily exaggerated news. Fans' anger peaked when the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) let JTBC off as they had already apologised. Interestingly, the same media outlets were unhappy with SUGA's apology on Weverse and pressured him to do a photo op outside the police station—which was illegal.
On October 7, the KCSC issued a legal sanction of 'caution' to JTBC Newsroom for airing fake CCTV footage related to SUGA's case. This is because, on August 7, JTBC claimed to have obtained CCTV footage of the rapper's alleged drunk driving incident, showing a man riding a scooter under the influence. The outlet identified the man as SUGA, but a few days later, police confirmed that the video did not feature the BTS star. Following that, JTBC issued an official on-air apology.
The KCSC decided against imposing a fine, citing the broadcaster's apology as a mitigating factor. Chairman Ryu Hee-rim acknowledged that it was a significant error to present the incorrect footage as authentic, but deemed that "the lowest level of legal sanctions" was appropriate given the circumstances.
Soon after this news broke out, the ARMY, unhappy with the outcome have been trending "JTBC FALSE REPORTING" on X (formerly known as Twitter) and asking how they are going to treat one of the biggest stars of their nation. Many even trended the saying "HOLD JTBC ACCOUNTABLE" and even asked KCSC not just JTBC but all the newsrooms who spread fake news.
About SUGA's case:
SUGA, who is currently serving as a social service worker, was involved in an accident while riding an electric scooter near his home in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on August 6. Police patrolling the area discovered him, as shown in CCTV footage, where he is seen interacting with them.
As of September 11, SUGA was fined 15 million KRW by the Seoul Western District Court in the case.
Updated: October 07, 2024 11:00 PM IST
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