Suga, a member of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS, has been fined 15 million won (approximately $11,468) for driving an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol. The summary judgment was delivered by Judge Lee Yoo-shop of the Seoul Western District Court on Friday, closing the legal case with a fine identical to the penalty previously requested by prosecutors.
The case, processed as a summary judgment, is a legal mechanism for resolving relatively minor offenses without a full trial. Such cases are typically expedited for quicker resolution. However, Suga, whose real name is Min Yoon-gi, has the right to request a formal trial within seven days if he disagrees with the ruling.
The incident occurred on August 6, 2024, when Suga was caught by police at approximately 11:15 p.m. near his home in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. He was found riding an electric scooter while under the influence of alcohol. His blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was measured at 0.227 percent, significantly exceeding South Korea’s legal limit of 0.08 percent, a threshold that typically results in the revocation of a driver’s license.
Seventeen days after the incident, Suga appeared at Yongsan Police Station, where he underwent a three-hour police interrogation. During the session, he confessed to the offense, fully cooperating with authorities. The case was then forwarded to the Seoul Western District Prosecutor’s Office without detention.
In the wake of the incident, Suga issued a handwritten public apology to his fans and BTS members on August 25 via the Weverse platform. In his apology, Suga expressed deep remorse for his actions, stating, “I feel deeply sorry and painful for causing harm to my team and my members.” He further extended his heartfelt apology to BTS’ fans, saying, “I apologize to our fans who have always shown me more love than I deserve. I am reflecting on my actions with a heavy heart.”
Since September 2023, Suga has been serving as a social service agent, an alternative form of mandatory military service in South Korea, which typically involves public service duties instead of active military duty. His legal issues have surfaced amidst his ongoing service, bringing additional scrutiny to his role both as a public figure and as a social service agent.
The e-scooter DUI incident has drawn attention from media and fans alike, as Suga is one of the most high-profile figures in the K-pop industry. While the incident represents a personal misstep for the artist, his swift apology and cooperation with the authorities signal his desire to take full responsibility for his actions.
This incident also raises broader questions about the responsibilities of public figures in South Korea, particularly those in influential positions like BTS members. With the nation’s strict DUI laws, even minor offenses can have serious legal and social consequences. Suga’s case highlights the importance of accountability and serves as a reminder that celebrities are not exempt from the law.
As the legal process concludes with the fine, Suga’s focus will likely shift back to his duties as a social service agent and his future musical activities. While this incident may leave a blemish on his otherwise stellar career, his commitment to personal growth and responsibility may serve to rebuild the trust of fans and the public over time.
Sayart / ReaA JUNG, queen7203@gmail.com
Courtesy of Big Hit Music
Suga, a member of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS, has been fined 15 million won (approximately $11,468) for driving an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol. The summary judgment was delivered by Judge Lee Yoo-shop of the Seoul Western District Court on Friday, closing the legal case with a fine identical to the penalty previously requested by prosecutors.
The case, processed as a summary judgment, is a legal mechanism for resolving relatively minor offenses without a full trial. Such cases are typically expedited for quicker resolution. However, Suga, whose real name is Min Yoon-gi, has the right to request a formal trial within seven days if he disagrees with the ruling.
The incident occurred on August 6, 2024, when Suga was caught by police at approximately 11:15 p.m. near his home in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. He was found riding an electric scooter while under the influence of alcohol. His blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was measured at 0.227 percent, significantly exceeding South Korea’s legal limit of 0.08 percent, a threshold that typically results in the revocation of a driver’s license.
Seventeen days after the incident, Suga appeared at Yongsan Police Station, where he underwent a three-hour police interrogation. During the session, he confessed to the offense, fully cooperating with authorities. The case was then forwarded to the Seoul Western District Prosecutor’s Office without detention.
In the wake of the incident, Suga issued a handwritten public apology to his fans and BTS members on August 25 via the Weverse platform. In his apology, Suga expressed deep remorse for his actions, stating, “I feel deeply sorry and painful for causing harm to my team and my members.” He further extended his heartfelt apology to BTS’ fans, saying, “I apologize to our fans who have always shown me more love than I deserve. I am reflecting on my actions with a heavy heart.”
Since September 2023, Suga has been serving as a social service agent, an alternative form of mandatory military service in South Korea, which typically involves public service duties instead of active military duty. His legal issues have surfaced amidst his ongoing service, bringing additional scrutiny to his role both as a public figure and as a social service agent.
The e-scooter DUI incident has drawn attention from media and fans alike, as Suga is one of the most high-profile figures in the K-pop industry. While the incident represents a personal misstep for the artist, his swift apology and cooperation with the authorities signal his desire to take full responsibility for his actions.
This incident also raises broader questions about the responsibilities of public figures in South Korea, particularly those in influential positions like BTS members. With the nation’s strict DUI laws, even minor offenses can have serious legal and social consequences. Suga’s case highlights the importance of accountability and serves as a reminder that celebrities are not exempt from the law.
As the legal process concludes with the fine, Suga’s focus will likely shift back to his duties as a social service agent and his future musical activities. While this incident may leave a blemish on his otherwise stellar career, his commitment to personal growth and responsibility may serve to rebuild the trust of fans and the public over time.
