BTS Suga Apologizes Over Drunken Misdemeanor After Being Fined $11,500 Penalty: ‘I have greatly damaged the precious memories’

South Korea’s BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) is one of the biggest and most successful boy bands, and their popularity is not just limited to South Korea. The band consists of seven members: Kim Nam-joon (RM), Kim Seok-jin (Jin), Min Yoon-gi (Suga), Jung Ho-seok (J-Hope), Park Ji-min (Jimin), Kim Tae-hyung (V), and Jeon Jung Kook (JK). BTS debuted in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment, and despite a lot of challenges and struggles, the group has proved that they are indeed Bulletproof Boy Scouts.

The group initially debuted as a hip-hop group but, over the years, has expanded its approach and music style to wider genres. The lyrics used in their songs have often tackled issues such as mental health, coming of age, loss, journey towards self-love, and more. BTS’ discography and adjacent work are referred to in literature, philosophy, and psychology.

The K-pop band became the first South Korean act to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Global 200, with the release of their Grammy-nominated single Dynamite. However, a recent unfortunate incident involving Suga has led him to pay a hefty fine.

BTS SUGA apologized to fans with utmost sincerity for riding an e-scooter after a few drinks

Min Yoon-gi a.k.a. Suga is a rapper, songwriter, record producer, and an integral part of BTS. Apart from his work with the band, Suga released his first solo mixtape, Agust D, in 2016 and re-released it in 2018. Upon its release, the mixtape peaked at the number 3 spot on Billboard’s World Albums Chart. This was followed by the release of his second mixtape, D-2, in 2020, and in 2023, he released his debut solo album, D-Day.

The former ranked at number 11 upon release, while the latter ranked at number 2 on the US Billboard 200. The success and ranks of his album tied him up with his band member Jimin as the highest-charting South Korean solo artist of all time. Suga is currently enlisted in the South Korean military as a social service agent (due to his shoulder injury) to complete his mandatory military service.

Earlier in August, it was reported that Suga was questioned by a police officer after they reportedly witnessed him falling off his electric scooter in the Hannam neighborhood in the Yongsan district. The rapper immediately took to his WeVerse account to report the incident to fans by writing that his license had been revoked, adding that he didn’t realize that he couldn’t ride the electric scooter after having drinks at dinner with friends. He wrote further, (via Billboard)

In the process of setting up an electric kickboard at the front door of the house, I fell alone, and there was a police officer around me, so I took a breath test. I apologize to everyone who was hurt by my careless and wrong actions.

BTS’ record label BigHit also shared a statement on Weverse stating that they are apologetic for the situation and the artist is prepared to accept any disciplinary action from his place of work. However, according to AFP, Seoul’s Military Manpower Administration clarified that since the incident took place after official military working hours, he will be punished according to traffic laws, not military law. (via GMA Network)

Suga once again shared an apology by taking responsibility for his actions, stating that his carelessness has given his close ones a hard time. He mentioned that he would live with repentance and try not to do anything wrong again. In his third apology, Suga mentioned,

Due to this incident, I have greatly damaged the precious memories I made with the members and fans and put a lot of pressure on the name of the BTS. I feel so sorry and painful that it’s hard to express because it’s causing damage to the members and the team.

On September 30, 2024, Billboard reported that the South Korean Court had fined the K-pop star $11,500 (15 million won) for driving an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol. A judge in the Seoul Western District Court issued the summary indictment, which is used to discharge minor offenses through court fines. The artist or the record label has not commented on the judgment as of yet.

Fans come in support of BTS SUGA after the wrong footage was broadcast

Variety reported that because of Suga’s prominence, the DUI attracted a lot of attention from the public as well as the media, noting that some of those were based on information leaks from the police and other parts of its speculation. K-media initially reported that his blood alcohol concentration was allegedly measured at 0.227%, which far exceeded the set 0.08% threshold. However, the officials never confirmed this figure.

A video footage shared by the JTBC news outlet showcased a man riding an electric scooter at a high speed on the main road. The news outlet claimed the man to be Suga, but it was later confirmed that it was not Suga. Broadcasting companies Donga Ilbo and TV Chosun shared the actual footage of the incident. It can be seen that a man was riding a scooter at a very low speed on the sidewalk with his helmet on. (via All Kpop).

The man fell in front of the house after he took a sharp turn but was able to pick up his scooter unlike what the previous stories had claimed. He spoke to the passing police officers. The man was identified as Suga, and it was established that he wasn’t lying about riding 500 meters away from his house in his initial statement.

JTBC Newsroom issued an apology for broadcasting the wrong footage. It was later reported that the Korean Communication Standards Committee will be investigating the JTBC Newsroom. (via All Kpop) BTS’ fans, popularly known as ARMY, came in numbers to support the artist after he faced intense media and public criticism, mostly based on speculation. There were about 1400 stories written within a few hours of the incident based on speculation and made-up news.

The fans not only started charting his songs again but also signed a petition that they supported all 7 members of the band. ARMY has been sending messages of support and love to all seven members as they currently serve in the military. K-social media has been accused of critiquing the idols for every minor inconvenience including their dating status. This behavior has often led to some of the idols committing suicide or indulging in self-harm. However, nothing has changed.

BTS will reunite in 2025.