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K-Pop Sensation Suga from BTS Has License Revoked While Intoxicated
Aug
Min-Yoon Gi, known professionally as Suga, was booked at a Seoul police station after failing a breathalyzer test on Tuesday night.
Suga Booked on DUI Charges
Min Yoon-gi, better known as Suga from the globally renowned K-Pop group BTS, has been booked on DUI charges in Seoul. The incident occurred late Tuesday night when Suga was found on the ground of a parking lot after crashing his electric vehicle. Police administered a breathalyzer test, which the singer failed. Consequently, Suga’s license has been revoked, and he faces a fine, as reported by the Associated Press.
Big Hit Music, Suga’s label, clarified that the vehicle in question was an “electric kickboard.” Suga echoed this terminology in his apology posted on WeVerse, a popular South Korean social media app. “After drinking at dinner last night, I rode home on an electric kickboard,” he wrote. “I violated road traffic laws without realizing that I was not allowed to use an electric scooter while drunk and thought it was a short distance away.”
The distinction of the vehicle type is significant, as it determines the class of the offense. According to police, the vehicle is a scooter with a seat, which makes driving it while intoxicated a crime under South Korea’s Road Traffic Act.
Apology and Public Reaction
In his heartfelt apology, Suga expressed remorse for his actions. “Although no one was harmed or any facilities were damaged during this process, I bow my head in apology to everyone as it is my responsibility and there is no room for excuses.” His apology was accompanied by a promise to be more careful in the future to prevent such incidents.
The incident has sparked discussions about the behavior of K-Pop idols, especially in light of recent events. Earlier this year, singer Kim Ho-joong was charged with a hit and run while intoxicated, leading to public outrage. The South China Morning Post reported that numerous petitions have been filed to remove Ho-joong from broadcasts and even expel him from the industry. While Suga’s incident is less severe, it has nonetheless drawn criticism and concern.
Impact on Military Service and Future Plans
Suga is currently over a year into fulfilling his mandatory military service as a social service agent, an alternative assignment he received due to a 2020 shoulder injury. The incident will not impact his service, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Military Manpower Administration, since it occurred outside of working hours.
All seven members of BTS are currently completing their mandatory service, with Suga being the only member to receive an alternative assignment. Jin, the eldest member, completed his military duties in June. The band has confirmed plans to reunite once all members have finished their service, aiming for a comeback in 2025.
Despite the recent setback, Suga remains committed to his fans and his responsibilities. “I apologize to everyone who was hurt by my careless and wrong actions,” he wrote on WeVerse. “I will be more careful in my actions to avoid such incidents in the future.”
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