BTS Member SUGA under investigation for riding electric scooter while intoxicated.
According to Seoul Yongsan Police Station, SUGA of BTS was booked on charges of violating the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving) on August 6 KST. Suga was found after falling while riding an electric scooter on a street in Hannam-dong, and a breathalyzer test revealed that his blood alcohol concentration was at a level warranting license cancellation. Consequently, SUGA was immediately fined and had his license revoked.
Big Hit Music, SUGA’s agency, issued an apology. The agency stated, “SUGA used an electric scooter to return home while wearing a helmet after drinking on the night of August 6 KST. After traveling about 500 meters, he fell while parking the scooter, and a breathalyzer test conducted by nearby police resulted in a fine and the revocation of his license. There were no injuries or property damage caused by the incident, and SUGA was escorted home by the police.“
The agency added, “We apologize for the disappointment caused by our artist’s inappropriate behavior. SUGA will accept any disciplinary action from his workplace as a social service agent for causing public concern.“
SUGA also apologized to fans via the Weverse platform. He explained, “After drinking at a dinner last night, I rode an electric scooter to return home. I failed to recognize the danger and illegality of using an electric scooter while intoxicated and violated the Road Traffic Act. Although no one was harmed and no property was damaged, I take full responsibility for my actions and sincerely apologize to everyone.“
There is concern about whether this incident will affect SUGA’s service as a social service agent, such as extending his service days or facing additional disciplinary measures. However, it appears that his status and service days as a social service agent will not be affected, as the incident occurred outside of official working hours.
A Military Manpower Administration official told “Disciplinary actions are taken for negligence during working hours, but incidents outside of working hours are subject to general criminal law.“
According to the Military Manpower Administration’s regulations on prohibited activities and penalties for social service agents, actions such as drinking, gambling, indecency, or other breaches of discipline during working hours result in an extension of service by five days for each warning. However, this applies only to incidents that occur during working hours.
SUGA has been serving as a social service agent since September last year and is expected to be discharged in June 2025.
Below is the full statement from Big Hit Music:
Hello, this is Big Hit Music.
We apologize for the electric scooter accident involving BTS member SUGA.
On the night of August 6 KST (Tuesday), SUGA used an electric scooter to return home while wearing a helmet after drinking. After traveling about 500 meters, he fell while parking the scooter, and a breathalyzer test conducted by nearby police resulted in a fine and the revocation of his license. There were no injuries or property damage caused by the incident, and SUGA returned home under police supervision.
We apologize for the disappointment caused by our artist’s inappropriate behavior. As a social service agent, SUGA will receive appropriate disciplinary action from his workplace for causing public concern.
We will take greater care to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
Thank you.
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