BTS rapper Suga has been facing massive backlash over his DUI controversy that took place in Seoul last week. A member of the K-pop supergroup, who has taken a break from music to complete his mandatory military service, was caught driving under the influence by police authorities after he fell from an e-scooter. The idol subsequently failed a breathalyser test which showed he was over the blood-alcohol limit.
The Haegeum rapper has since publicly apologized for his ‘wrongful behaviour’ admitting to violating the traffic rule. Suga revealed he got his license revoked and was also fined for the misdemeanor. Subsequently, his management agency also issued a public statement about the DUI incident, reassuring fans the K-pop idol would be subjected to necessary punishment.
However, several discrepancies in their statements have been brought to light since. Netizens have accused HYBE of downplaying the incident as they initially claimed the BTS rapper was using an electric kickboard, a less powerful electric scooter, with a maximum speed of less than 25 kmh. It later emerged that he had been reportedly riding a fully-equipped e-scooter with a saddle that can reach speeds of 30 kmh.
The wreaths demanding BTS SUGA to leave the team are increasing. Some ARMYs are boycotting in front of HYBE building by sending wreaths. #BTS #SUGA pic.
twitter.com/kylW8rsTRX — KoreadeoK (@koreadeok) August 13, 2024 With severe online criticism, many also sent condolence flowers outside HYBE headquarters demanding Suga’s complete exit from BTS. Previously, a grainy video of the incident contradicted the accounts that Suga made in his apology statement.
The rapper claimed he fell near the gate of his house but footage showed he seemingly tumbled near the main road, calling for a new round of backlash for giving a false apology to fans. But only a day later, another clip surfaced online confirming Suga’s description of the incident was true after all. JTBC’s ‘News Room’ shares that they're currently checking regarding the false report on BTS’ SUGA CCTV footage.
In the shared video, a person who appears to be SUGA is seen driving a personal mobility device down a road in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. However, the footage released by..
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com/AKOjyUskLW — Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) August 14, 2024 The real 🐱 cctv shows that his speed was slow as an average person's walking & all the media just defamed him! JTBC APOLOGIZE TO SUGA YONHAP NEWS APOLOGIZE TO SUGA WE DEMAND AN APOLOGY JTBC IS SPREADING LIES #KoreanMediaBeProfessional #SugaDidNotLie pic.twitter.com/EGOggGNgUt — Carolyne🌱7=1 (@mhereonlyforbts) August 14, 2024 The rapper’s agency has now issued a clarification on angry fans' protest for Suga's removal from the team.
“Talk of Suga leaving BTS is nonsense. We will apologize and work harder to resolve the conflict among fans,” said HYBE. BTS members are expected to reunite next year after they’ve all completed the 18-21 months mandatory military service.
ALSO READ| ‘Suga didn’t lie’: New footage debunks false narratives surrounding BTS idol’s DUI incident.
