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BTS' Min Yoongi aka Suga's DUI incident on an electric kickboard/scooter took another turn as JTBC is reported to be investigated. On August 18, 2024, Yonhap News stated that the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCC) will reportedly review the South Korean media outlet JTBC 'Newsroom' for releasing fake footage against the BTS idol.
On August 7, 2024, Suga was penalized by the Yongsan Police Department for drunk driving a remote-controlled foldable electric kickboard/scooter under the influence. His blood alcohol level was 0.08%, higher than the permitted 0.03% under the revised Yoon Chang-ho Law.
However, on August 7, JTBC 'Newsroom' aired an unverified CCTV clip, alleging that the rapper was speeding on the road on a motorized scooter. On August 15, Dong-a Ilbo released the original CCTV footage near Nine One Hannam complex, Gangnam, debunking JTBC's previous footage. BTS fans criticized the network for distorting facts and allegedly tarnishing the idol's reputation.
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Amid BTS' Suga's DUI incident, ARMY discusses baseball player Jang Won-sam's alleged DUI
Popular South Korean Baseball player, Jang Won-sam, from the Hyundai Unicorns team was reportedly involved in a car accident on August 17, 2024, due to allegedly driving under the influence (DUI). According to MBC News, he was questioned by the police, however, his blood alcohol level and penalty weren't disclosed.
The BTS fans shared the reports and screenshots online and discussed how the Korean media allegedly avoided reporting the same as they only focused on BTS' Min Yoongi aka Suga.
Meanwhile, as soon as the news broke, the idol immediately posted an apology letter on Weverse (HYBE's fan community app) on the morning of August 7. He informed his fans that he was riding for 500m and fell down in front of his house entrance. Yoongi added that the police penalized him and revoked his license. He apologized for breaking the law and for being unaware of the rules pertaining to riding an electric kickboard/scooter.
It is important to note that Suga was riding an electric kickboard, and the device's maximum speed was 30 km/hr. As per Dong-a Ilbo's footage, the idol rode it much slower than 30 km/hr in the biker's lane near his house.
He drove for 500m before turning left to enter the Nine One Hannam complex—where he resides—and stumbled across the pavement. Yoongi was seen getting up instantly and picking up his helmet to wear it back. Three police officers walked up to him and they started conversing with him. The footage ended there.
However, public backlash intensified after JBTC 'Newsroom' aired the unverified CCTV footage. Although the footage was extremely blurry, making it difficult to identify the vehicle and the rider, the public scrutiny and condemnation of Yoongi were severe.
The BTS ARMY called out Korean media houses like JTBC, Yonhap, SBS, Chosun, and Ten Asia for allegedly falsifying their reports. Due to ARMYs' consistent efforts, JTBC 'Newsroom' apologized to the BTS rapper on August 16 for releasing the fake clip and creating "confusion."
"On the 7th, our Newsroom reported on BTS member Suga's drunk driving incident. At the time, the first part of the report aired a CCTV video of a man riding an electric scooter passing down a street, but after a police investigation, it was confirmed that the man in the video was not Suga. We sincerely apologize for causing any confusion." (translation taken from Google Audio Translate).
BTS ARMY was disappointed and claimed that the apology seemed insincere due to the word "confusion." They stated that the South Korean news outlet allegedly did not acknowledge spreading "misinformation."
BTS' Min Yoongi aka Suga is currently serving as a Grade-5 social service employee in the South Korean military. Due to his shoulder injury, the rapper was categorized as a Grade-5 recruit—unfit to carry out regular military roles, however, can perform alternative service.
Notably, every male citizen has to undergo a military examination, both written and physical. The authorities determine and asses the applicants' ability to enlist based on "Grades." Suga enlisted on September 22, 2023, and will return in June 2025.
