BTS's SUGA Under Investigation for DUI: A Detailed Overview of the Incident and Public Reaction


 

Introduction


Unexpectedly, BTS member SUGA (actual name Min Yoon-gi) has become involved in a scandal after it was discovered that he was drunk when driving an electric scooter. In addition to making headlines, the incident has generated a lot of discussion among both the general public and fans.  This article explores the incident's details, the ongoing inquiry, and the public's response to this shocking controversy.


The Incident: What Happened?


After falling off an electronic scooter, SUGA was found by police on the evening of August 6, 2024, in the Hannam-dong neighbourhood of Seoul's Yongsan District. When the police, who were on patrol in the area, smelt alcohol, they ran a breathalyser test right away. The blood alcohol level of 0.227% in the alarming results is much higher than the South Korean legal limit of 0.08% for licence revocation.


Legal Implications


Electric scooters are categorised as "motorised bicycles" in South Korea by the Automobile Management Act, and under the Road Traffic Act, they are considered as vehicles. This implies that operating them while drunk has the same penalties as driving while intoxicated, which could result in criminal prosecution. The Yongsan Police Station quickly filed a complaint against SUGA for breaking the Road Traffic Act, and a thorough investigation was started.


Investigation Details: What’s Next for SUGA?


As part of his necessary military service, SUGA began working as a social worker in September 2023 and was expected to finish in June 2025. But since the DUI incident, claims of preferential treatment have surfaced, casting doubt on his service. 


Preferential Treatment Allegations


An internal investigation has been started by the Military Manpower Administration's Seoul Regional Office to determine if SUGA was given special consideration at his position, especially in the wake of the DUI incident. A civil case demanding clarity about his service circumstances was submitted on August 12, 2024, and it served as the impetus for this investigation. 


Public Reaction: The Fallout


The public's reaction to SUGA's DUI incident has been overwhelmingly negative. As the first BTS member to face such allegations, SUGA's actions have disappointed many fans who have supported him throughout his career. 


Fan Protests and Privacy Breach


To demand that SUGA leave BTS, a group of angry fans organised demonstrations with protest trucks and wreaths. Starting on August 17, these protests were allowed by law, yet they resulted in a serious invasion of privacy. Unintentionally, the Yongsan District Bureau Office gave personal information about the protest organisers to people who had complained about the protests.  A lawsuit has been filed against the Bureau Office and the people who got the private information as a result of this.


Near the Hybe Building

Protest truck


SUGA’s Apology and Public Appearance


SUGA and his company, BIGHIT MUSIC, apologised in writing after the event. When SUGA first appeared at the Yongsan Police Station on August 23, 2024, there was chaos despite efforts to control the situation. Hundreds of media came to the site after hearing about his attendance through a leak, which had originally been scheduled as a private investigation.  SUGA looked serious when he arrived at the police station wearing a black suit, but his appearance did little to stop the criticism from spreading.



Netizen Reactions: A Mixed Bag of Emotions


Many people on the internet have openly expressed their dissatisfaction and frustration with the star. Fans' reactions varied from disbelief to blatant rage, with some even demanding that SUGA leave BTS.


"I spent a lot of money and gave a lot of support, celebrated his achievements as if they were my own, but this ending is bitter."


"He looks like a different person... Maybe he looks ugly because he did something wrong."


"Is that his skin tone without proper lighting? He came out early, huh... really."


"Why did you do it? Reflect on your actions."


"Yoongi, just leave the group now, for real."


All throughout the world, though, ARMYs came together in support of Yoongi, filling social media with trending hashtags like "FUTURE GONNA BE OKAY," "WE LOVE YOU YOONGI," and "ARMYTRUSTMINYOONGI." Millions of posts demonstrating steadfast support have arrived in only the last 24 hours. After being reported by ARMYs for accusing Yoongi, several major social media profiles were even shut down. Yoongi's solo tracks were also instantly at the top of the iTunes rankings after fans started to stream them. Yoongi is not alone in this tough moment, as evidenced by the overwhelming support of his supporters, even in the face of controversy.


Conclusion: The Road Ahead for SUGA


The inquiry is still ongoing, so it's unclear what SUGA's future holds as a public figure and a member of BTS. It's still too early to tell how this incident may affect his career and BTS's reputation. Right now, the public's response to this developing controversy and the continuing inquiry are the centre of attention.


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