BTS Suga's DUI case: From breathalyzer test to personal apology and military enlistment controversy - Here's a detailed breakdown of the probe BTS’s Suga is currently under investigation for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), with the case being handled at the Yongsan Police Station. This investigation traces back to August 6, 2024, when Suga was found operating his electric vehicle while intoxicated. As new details continue to emerge, we provide a comprehensive overview of the incident and the latest updates in the ongoing investigation.
Incident details and initial findings On August 7, 2024, at approximately 11:50 AM KST, South Korean news outlet Yonhap reported that BTS’s Suga is under investigation by the Yongsan Police Station for driving under the influence of alcohol. According to the initial report, on the night of August 6, Suga was found alone on the streets, having fallen from an electric kickboard. Police officers, who were patrolling the area, noticed him, detected the smell of alcohol, and subsequently took him to the nearest police station.
Yonhap clarified that the term ‘electric kickboard’ refers to an electric scooter, which requires adherence to traffic laws in South Korea due to its potential hazards. Suga's BAC exceeds 0.08% Following the initial report, South Korean news outlet Newsis has provided an update on BTS’ Suga’s DUI case, revealing the results of his breathalyzer test.
While the exact blood alcohol concentration (BAC) percentage was not disclosed, it was reported that Suga’s BAC exceeded 0.08%, a level that could potentially lead to the revocation of his driver's license. Earlier reports from The JoongAng also included Suga’s statement to the Yongsan Police Station, where he mentioned experiencing knee pain and claimed he had only driven a short distance after consuming a single glass of beer.
BIGHIT MUSIC and Suga issue apologies Within hours of the initial reports, BIGHIT MUSIC issued an official statement regarding BTS’s Suga’s recent DUI incident. Posted on BTS’s official community board, the statement expressed regret over Suga's actions, revealing that his driver’s license had been revoked and he was fined. The company detailed that Suga, who was wearing a helmet, had driven an electric kickboard for about 500 meters after drinking on August 6.
The statement clarified that while no one was injured and no property was damaged, Suga’s actions were deemed inappropriate and a breach of traffic laws. Following this, Suga apologized on Weverse, expressing remorse for his actions and admitting he was unaware that traffic laws applied to electric kickboards. The combined apologies from BIGHIT MUSIC and Suga have provoked a mixed reaction from fans, with some Korean fans criticizing the member’s apology as insincere, while international fans question the case's severity.
Was Suga on an electric scooter or kickboard? Later on August 7, Star News reported a crucial update from the Yongsan Police Station about BTS’s Suga’s DUI case. Contrary to earlier reports identifying the vehicle as an electric kickboard, it has been clarified that Suga was operating an ‘electric scooter with a seat’, or a simpler scooter bike. This distinction is vital because South Korean DUI penalties differ depending on the vehicle classification.
If deemed an internal engine device, the case could be treated similarly to a car DUI, with potential severe penalties, including license revocation and legal charges. Conversely, if classified as a type of electric kickboard, the case might only result in a fine and license revocation. Additionally, the police confirmed that no fines or license revocations have been imposed yet, contradicting BIGHIT MUSIC and Suga’s earlier statements.
The investigation remains ongoing to determine the exact classification and applicable penalties. CCTV footage of Suga’s vehicle released The backlash following the revelations about BTS' Suga’s DUI case was fierce, with accusations directed at both BIGHIT MUSIC and Suga for ‘lying’ and ‘minimizing’ the situation. At the same time, some ARMYs argued that the Yongsan Police Station was imposing ‘unfair punishment’ due to Suga’s celebrity status.
However, Hankook Ilbo reported that the officers who initially spotted Suga on the electric scooter did not recognize him as a member of BTS, undermining claims of biased treatment. Amidst the controversy, Newsroom aired CCTV footage of Suga riding the electric scooter down Hannam-daero, a major street in Yongsan. The footage provided a clearer view of the vehicle involved in the incident.
Will Suga’s DUI affect his military enlistment? As the investigation into Suga’s DUI case continues, concerns are rising about the potential impact on his enlistment status. On the evening of August 7, Chosun Ilbo reported that the South Korean Office of Military Manpower Administration has decided not to penalize Suga for the incident, citing that it occurred outside of his military duties. According to the office, the incident, which took place while Suga was off-duty, does not warrant any disciplinary action related to his service or damage to the military's image.
This decision has provided some clarity on how his enlistment status will be affected by the ongoing situation. BIGHIT MUSIC issues another apology for previous oversight Around midnight on August 8, 2024 (KST), amid mounting criticism over the CCTV footage of Suga’s DUI incident, BIGHIT MUSIC issued a new apology addressing their previous oversight. The label stated that there was no intention to downplay the incident, acknowledging that their earlier statements were rushed and inaccurate.
They clarified that the vehicle Suga was riding was an ‘electric scooter’ rather than an ‘electric kickboard’, and admitted to incorrectly reporting that Suga’s driver’s license had been revoked and a fine imposed. BIGHIT MUSIC apologized for failing to review the details thoroughly and for the confusion caused. They promised to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation, accept the results, and ensure accurate communication moving forward.
Suga's vehicle finally classified as E-bike As of August 9, Dispatch received an exclusive statement from the Yongsan Police Station indicating that Suga’s electric scooter was classified as a ‘motorized bicycle’, not a ‘Personal Mobility’ (PM) device. This means the vehicle is regulated like an automobile, not a PM device with different rules. Consequently, Suga will face criminal investigation similar to a DUI involving a car.
Later that evening, Donga Ilbo reported that Suga’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was found to be 0.227%, which is more than seven times Korea’s legal limit of 0.03%.
Neither BIGHIT MUSIC nor Suga has yet commented on this new development. The Yongsan Police Station has not updated on whether Suga’s driver’s license has been or will be revoked, but if it is, he would be unable to reacquire it for a year. Another report from Sports Chosun reveals that Suga may soon be summoned by the Yongsan Police to provide further information about his alcohol consumption and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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