Experts rebuttal highlights the sensationalism in media coverage of Suga incident and questions the fairness of legal treatment. Misinformation, especially from news outlets like JTBC, shaped public opinion against Suga, but experts argue it misled people. Now, some columnists and experts are openly supporting Suga, reflecting a shift in public perception.
Experts Rebuttal on Public Opinion Against Suga’s Incident
Korean women’s online communities have expressed highly critical opinions about Suga’s DUI incident. Many users believe Suga should leave BTS due to his mistake. However, this represents only a minority view. Most ordinary Koreans feel differently. They think riding an electric scooter under the influence, not a car, is not a severe crime. Suga did not speed or cause any injury. This public opinion shows a more lenient stance on the incident compared to the online communities.
Misinformation and Its Impact on Public Opinion
Criticism of Suga in Korean women’s communities partly stems from misinformation spread by JTBC. JTBC mistakenly aired CCTV footage of someone unrelated to Suga, suggesting it was him riding the scooter. This led many to believe Suga was lying about his actions. Misinformation greatly influenced public opinion, turning some against Suga without factual basis. However, as more accurate information comes to light, the public’s view is shifting.
Growing Support for Suga: Experts Rebuttal to Initial Criticism
Despite the initial backlash, public support for Suga is now emerging. Some Korean columnists have started to openly support him, challenging the earlier criticism. These columnists argue that the situation was blown out of proportion and that misinformation contributed to the negativity. This growing support suggests that more people are questioning the initial harsh reactions and are willing to defend Suga based on facts.
Experts Rebuttal on Media Sensationalism Surrounding Suga Incident
Professor Lee Ji-young from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, a K-pop expert, explained how the media sensationalized Suga’s incident. Suga undeniably made a mistake by riding an electric scooter while intoxicated, and fans agreed he should face appropriate punishment. No one, including Suga and his fans, tried to avoid responsibility.
However, the Korean media reacted with sensationalism, publishing over 1,400 articles in just one week. Many early reports relied on speculation rather than verified information, often spreading misleading stories. The media harassed Suga excessively, even threatening that not appearing at a photo line would lead to more problems. This raised questions about the true purpose of these articles and who they serve. It seems the primary goal was just to generate clicks and ad revenue.
Experts Rebuttal: Legal Discrepancy in Suga Electric Scooter Case
Professor Kim Pil-soo, an automotive expert from Daelim University, calls for a rational examination of the incident. Suga did not cause any harm or commit a DUI with a car; he merely rode an electric scooter for a few hundred meters.
Few people understand the regulations surrounding electric scooters. If one applies car-related laws to scooters, even a minor mistake could be considered severe. As such, Suga’s case could result in a sentence of up to five years in prison, equating him with someone guilty of a deadly car accident. This legal discrepancy shocks many, as it suggests that even minimal incidents could carry disproportionate penalties.
Moral Standards and Public Outrage: Experts’ View on Suga’s Treatment
Ham Young-joon, a mental health expert, highlighted the public’s moral standards when it comes to celebrities. The public often reacts harshly to any minor incident involving entertainers, from dating rumors to breakups, escalating outrage to extreme levels.
Compared to other countries, Koreans do not inherently possess higher moral standards. Instead, the intense judgment reflects a societal tendency to expect perfection from others. The case of Suga illustrates how strict moral standards can lead to excessive criticism. This situation raises the question of whether those who impose these standards live up to them in their daily lives.
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I’m so glad more and more Koreans are supporting Suga. It’s ridiculous to ask him to leave BTS just because he rode an electric scooter after drinking. I hope I won’t be disappointed in Koreans anymore.