The Suga Incident involving drunk driving on an electric scooter has come to light, with BTS member Suga (Min Yoon-gi) under investigation by the police for violating the Road Traffic Act. The incident has sparked widespread ridicule in Korean online communities, with many users demanding severe punishment and mocking BTS’s contributions. The public’s negative sentiment is partly fueled by Suga’s previous remarks about military service, which have resurfaced amidst the current scandal.
Introduction: Suga Incident and Legal Investigation
The Suga Incident involving drunk driving on an electric scooter has recently come to light. According to the police on the 7th, Suga (Min Yoon-gi, 31), a member of the group BTS, is under investigation for violating the Road Traffic Act due to drunk driving.
Details of the Suga Incident
On the previous day, the Suga Incident occurred in the Yongsan district, where he was found fallen after riding an electric scooter while intoxicated. Police nearby assisted him and noticed the smell of alcohol, subsequently handing him over to the local police station. A breathalyzer test indicated a blood alcohol concentration above 0.08%, which is grounds for license revocation. The police are currently investigating the exact circumstances of the Suga Incident.
Legal Context: Drunk Driving on Personal Mobility Devices
Under the revised Road Traffic Act of 2021, personal mobility devices, including electric scooters, are defined as those with a maximum speed of less than 25 km/h and a total weight of less than 30 kg. Penalties for Drunk Driving or refusing a breathalyzer test on such devices include fines of up to 200,000 won.
Suga’s Military Service and Background
Suga has been serving as a social service agent since September last year, entering a training camp in Nonsan, Chungnam, for basic military training in March. He received his social service agent designation at the end of 2022, likely due to a shoulder surgery he underwent in 2020. His discharge date is set for June 2025.
Public Reaction to the Suga Incident
The news of the Suga Incident has sparked widespread ridicule in Korean online communities. On Nate Pann, the most liked comments demand severe punishment for not working and drinking on a weekday. Many users mocked BTS’s contributions to the country, referencing past criticisms ARMY directed at Jennie for smoking. Similarly, MLBPARK users found humor in the situation, comparing it to more serious scandals involving Hollywood stars. However, some emphasized that Drunk Driving on an electric scooter is a crime and shouldn’t be dismissed lightly. Detailed discussions ensued about whether Suga was using an electric scooter or an electric kick scooter, reflecting the community’s focus on specifics.
The Impact of Suga’s Past Statements
Negative public sentiment towards the Suga Incident is partly fueled by his previous remarks. Unlike other BTS members who quietly enlisted, Suga declared he did not seek special military exemptions, using strong language in his mixtape “D-2” released in 2020. “When the time comes, we’ll go to the military on our own, so all those people trying to exploit our name should just shut up.” This is a lyric from “What do you think?” on his second mixtape, “D-2,” released in 2020. Such statements created resentment among the public, which seems to have resurfaced with the current scandal. Despite the likely minor legal consequences, it is hoped that Suga handles this matter prudently.
Here’s a link to MLBPARK. Here’s a link to Nate Pann.I appreciate you taking the time to read this post. Please share your thoughts in the comments!
it’s so interesting to see how the law systems work in different countries. in south korea this sort of thing is viewed as some grand offense that will resort in your license being revoked. but here in the U.S. people treat it as just another tuesday. seriously i see students at my college doing this type of thing or worse every other week and literally nobody questions it
They make this like he committed big crimes or something