Suga, a member of the global K-pop group BTS, has been booked for operating an electric scooter while under the influence of alcohol. However, this incident is not expected to result in an extension of his current social service period.
According to the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul, Suga was booked on August 6 for violating the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving). He was found after falling off an electric scooter in the Hannam-dong area, and a breathalyzer test revealed his blood alcohol content was at a level high enough to warrant the revocation of his license. As a result, Suga was immediately fined and had his license revoked.
Despite the charges, it appears that this incident will not affect Suga’s ongoing duties as a social service agent, as the incident occurred outside of official working hours. A representative from the Military Manpower Administration explained to Ilgan Sports, “Disciplinary actions are only taken for work-related infractions during official service hours. Incidents outside of work are subject to general criminal law.”
The Military Manpower Administration’s regulations on prohibited behaviors and penalties for social service agents state that actions such as drinking, gambling, or other misconduct during service hours can lead to an extension of service by five days for each warning. However, this only applies to actions during working hours.
In response to the incident, Suga’s agency, Big Hit Music, issued a statement: “Suga was on his way home on the night of the 6th after consuming alcohol, riding an electric scooter with a helmet on. After traveling about 500 meters, he fell while parking the scooter, and the police conducted a breathalyzer test on him. He was fined and had his license revoked. Fortunately, there were no injuries or property damage, and Suga was able to return home under police supervision.”
The agency also added, “We apologize for the disappointment caused by the artist’s inappropriate behavior. We will accept any consequences from his workplace as a social service agent for causing public concern.”
Suga also addressed the incident on the fan platform Weverse, saying, “After drinking during a dinner, I made the mistake of riding an electric scooter home. I failed to realize that operating an electric scooter while intoxicated was against traffic laws.”
He continued, “I fell while parking the scooter in front of my house’s main gate, and a nearby police officer conducted a breathalyzer test, resulting in my license being revoked and a fine imposed. Although there were no victims or property damage, I take full responsibility for my actions and sincerely apologize to everyone.”
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