Purple hearts for SUGA: PSY, EL CAPITXN, Coldplay fans and more rally behind BTS rapper amid South Korean media harassment
It wasn't just ARMY, BTS' fandom, that came forward; many South Korean celebrities also showed their support for SUGA.
Purple hearts for SUGA
When a celebrity in South Korea so much as sneezes, it becomes news. So imagine what happens when a rapper from one of the biggest groups in the world—BTS—is involved in a drunk driving incident. Rapper SUGA, also known as AGUST D, fell while riding an electric scooter (also known as a kickboard) under the influence of alcohol (DUI), and soon, the South Korean media churned out over 100 articles and extensive TV coverage.
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However, the harassment continued as the media deemed his apology insufficient and even suggested that the idol should leave and quit the group. But things didn't go as they hoped, as they didn't anticipate the international support the rapper would receive.
Interestingly, it wasn't just ARMY, BTS' fandom, that came forward; many South Korean celebrities also showed their support. In a time when many K-pop stars avoid controversy by staying silent, these celebrities stepped up for SUGA, having witnessed firsthand how media trials have led some celebs to take their own lives.
SUGA's close friend and music producer, EL CAPITXN, showed his unwavering support for Yoongi by celebrating a significant achievement on August 23. Despite the ongoing challenges, their song "Snooze" made a triumphant return to the Billboard charts. "Snooze," a track from SUGA's solo album "D-Day" under his moniker AGUST D, features EL CAPITXN’s production expertise, along with contributions from the late Japanese pianist Ryuichi Sakamoto and The Rose's Woosung.
Moreover, he also updated one of his pinned reels on Instagram, editing the caption to read, "It’s all gonna be alright".
On August 25, PSY—renowned for hits like "Gangnam Style"—wrapped up his 2024 "Summer Swag" concert series at Suwon World Cup Stadium. Just before performing "That That," a collaboration with SUGA, PSY took a moment to give a special shoutout to Min Yoongi, which prompted the crowd to erupt in cheers.
"I'm incredibly thankful to SUGA for creating and singing this song with me," PSY told the crowd (in Korean). Fans quickly trended the phrase, "We Support Min Yoongi."
Writer Lee Min Jin, known for her work on Lee Min Ho's "Pachinko," shared a photo of SUGA on her Instagram with a purple heart, a symbol associated with BTS. Actor Park Sohee, also from "Pachinko," responded to Min Jin's post with a purple heart, echoing the sentiment of many fans.
"Cobra Kai" actress Alicia Hannah Kim also showed her support for SUGA by leaving a comment filled with purple hearts under Lee Min Jin's Instagram post. Even author Alexander Chee, who was present at the same Met Gala as BTS in 2021, expressed his support for SUGA, saying, "SUGA!!! We are with you." South Korean-American actress and writer Samantha Futerman also shared her support with Purple Hearts.
Meanwhile, Mui Sakamoto, daughter of the late legendary composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, shared BTS tracks "The Last" and "Life Goes On" on her Instagram.
Lea Salonga, a multi-award-winning actress and Broadway legend known for her Tony Award-winning role in "Miss Saigon" and as the voice of Princess Jasmine from "Aladdin" and Fa Mulan, showed support for Yoongi in her latest IG post, writing, "Always behind you, Yoongi."
Epik High, while not speaking out publicly, did play BTS's song "Spring Day" for their audience at a concert, showing indirect support.
ARMY also found an ally in Coldplay fans, who extended their support, joining in the trending tags for the rapper saying #FuturesGonnaBeOkay. Coldplay and BTS had collaborated on the track "My Universe," which brought the two fandoms together.
Rock band "City of Sound" also made a post for SUGA, writing, "For every independent artist out there, look up SUGA - Snooze. You're welcome. Also, in support of 3 mph lunchbox-sized scooters."
About SUGA's case:
The worldwide sensation, who is currently serving as a social service worker, was involved in an incident 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.
Despite the footage showing that he was wearing a helmet, stayed on the designated path for kickboards and pedestrians, and only fell while taking a sharp turn without causing any harm, media scrutiny has been intense.
According to recent reports, some media outlets have stated that the police have completed their investigation into SUGA, and he will not be called to the police station again. The police, in consultation with the Ministry of Land, confirmed that the scooter the rapper was riding did not require a number plate.
Updated: August 26, 2024 06:30 PM IST
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