A truck protest over the DUI incident involving Suga has deepened the division within the BTS fanbase, with strong support from online communities intensifying the controversy. This protest has created a visible division within ARMY, particularly between Korean and international fans. As the trucks continue to circle Seoul, many fans in these communities express approval, amplifying the impact on the reputation of Suga.
Suga and Truck Protest Amid DUI Controversy
Amid controversy over Suga’s DUI incident, some BTS fans have initiated a truck protest demanding his departure. On August 16th, online communities reported that BTS fans, primarily on X (formerly Twitter), raised funds for a truck protest. The protest started at HYBE’s headquarters and continued through various locations in Seoul, including Nine One Hannam, where Suga was found after his DUI incident.
Truck Protest Demanding Suga Departure
The protest trucks carried messages demanding Suga’s resignation. Messages included “Who else but you ruined BTS’s 11-year career with DUI?” and “Suga, resign as a criminal drunk driver.” Other statements accused HYBE of sheltering Suga, saying, “You let go of the hand we were holding first” and “Suga, hiding behind a company that shelters criminals.”
Fan Division Intensifies Over Suga DUI and Truck Protest
Given the massive size of the BTS fandom, ARMY, not all fans share the same opinion. However, it is evident that Suga’s DUI scandal has caused division among ARMYs. Previously, fans lined up flower wreaths at HYBE’s headquarters, demanding Suga’s departure. The aftermath of Suga’s DUI incident continues to provoke strong reactions.
Suga DUI Incident Details
On August 6th, at around 11:27 PM, Suga was found on a road in Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul. He had fallen off his electric scooter while intoxicated. A nearby police officer helped him up and noticed the smell of alcohol, leading to his transfer to a local police station. Suga reportedly told the police that he had consumed “just one beer” before driving. However, his blood alcohol content was measured at 0.227%, far exceeding the legal limit of 0.08% for license revocation.
Online Reactions and Further Fan Division
When the news broke on the Korean community site theqoo, opinions were sharply divided. Some users doubted that BTS fans (ARMY) were behind the truck protest. However, the argument quickly faded as others pointed out that only ARMY would organize such a protest. There were also concerns about trucks being parked on main roads, but these were countered by explanations that the trucks were moving around Seoul rather than staying in one place. The professional drivers operating the trucks ensured that the protest did not violate any laws. Additionally, some raised concerns about the protest disturbing residents in Suga’s apartment complex. These concerns were dismissed, as the trucks did not park for extended periods.
Impact of the Suga Truck Protest on Public Perception
There’s a saying that a fan who turns against an idol is the most terrifying. These fans know the idol intimately and can use this knowledge to attack them. Such fans often become more ruthless than ordinary critics. The protest trucks are currently circling Seoul, using Hannam-daero as a base. Hannam-daero is not only the road in front of Suga’s apartment but also a busy thoroughfare leading to the Gyeongbu Expressway. Protesting on such a prominent road inevitably causes significant damage to Suga’s reputation.
Suga Truck Protest and ARMY Division
Currently, Korean ARMYs are divided into two groups: those who strongly demand Suga’s departure and those who oppose it. Meanwhile, international ARMYs insist that Suga’s resignation is out of the question. In this situation, there is much speculation about how HYBE and Suga will respond. Whatever decision they make, they must handle it wisely to avoid repeating the mistakes of their initial apology.
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How many international army’s here to support our Yoongi