Suga from BTS is under investigation for drunk driving after JTBC aired incorrect CCTV footage showing someone on a scooter, mistakenly identifying the person as Suga. This led to widespread criticism and confusion, prompting JTBC to issue an apology. Despite the correction, the controversy continues, with Suga facing backlash from both the incorrect and actual scooter footage.
Suga Scooter Incident and Apology from JTBC
BTS member Suga, real name Min Yoon-gi, is under investigation for drunk driving. JTBC, which mistakenly aired CCTV footage related to the incident, has issued an official apology. On August 6, Suga, while intoxicated, fell off an electric scooter on a sidewalk in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Police, who were assisting him, discovered his intoxication and booked him for violating the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving). Suga’s blood alcohol level was 0.227%, far exceeding the 0.08% threshold for license cancellation. Due to this, police investigation is unavoidable.
JTBC Error in Suga Scooter Incident Report
On August 7, JTBC’s ‘Newsroom’ aired an exclusive report titled “Suga Drunk Driving CCTV First Release.” The footage showed a person speeding down a 10-lane road opposite Nine One Hannam in Yongsan. JTBC initially identified this person as Suga. However, this was incorrect. On the night in question, Suga was not riding an electric scooter on the road near Nine One Hannam. Instead, he was on the sidewalk leading to its main entrance, where he lost control and fell. Three patrolling police officers witnessed the incident and, upon trying to assist Suga, discovered his intoxicated state, leading to his booking for drunk driving. The CCTV report by JTBC was a clear mistake. On August 16, JTBC issued a formal apology on ‘Newsroom’ for the error.
Community Reactions to Suga Incident and JTBC Report
The reactions to Suga’s incident have varied across Korean communities. On Nate Pann, where Suga’s supporters, the ARMY, are active, many expressed anger towards JTBC for not verifying the facts before reporting. The incorrect report led to a week of criticism against Suga for supposedly driving a scooter on a busy road. This also fueled accusations that Suga’s apology, stating he fell in front of his house, was a lie. Despite the apology from JTBC, the negative public sentiment towards Suga remains unchanged.
On the other hand, on Theqoo, where there is more criticism of Suga, the focus was on the fact that he was riding a scooter on a sidewalk. The Road Traffic Act requires electric scooters to be used only on roads. Riding a scooter on a sidewalk could endanger pedestrians. However, some argued that Suga’s scooter was very small and slow, reducing the risk of accidents. Others criticized Suga for riding in the wrong direction on the sidewalk. However, it was countered that on sidewalks, there is no concept of “wrong direction” since they are open to movement in either direction. Imposing a specific direction on sidewalks is considered unreasonable by some.
Impact of JTBC Misinformation and Suga’s Response
Despite the apology from JTBC, the situation remains unresolved. The incorrect video has already spread widely on the internet. Furthermore, the release of actual footage showing Suga riding the scooter on the sidewalk has intensified the criticism. Suga is now facing backlash from both the incorrect video and the real one. HYBE and Suga must respond wisely to avoid further damage to his reputation.
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Sugar take action and sue them.All army is with you SUGA
As an American, here we sue for defamation. Hybe needs to sue the news station. Maybe if the music agency took any reporter or new station to court when the lie and defame people they would think twice before reporting false info