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Fans of BTS' Suga were furious over the 2024 Melon Music Awards, following his exclusion from a tribute video honoring the group’s legacy. On November 30, 2024, the 16th Melon Music Awards (MMA) took place at the Inspire Arena in Incheon, celebrating K-pop stars. Among the highlights was a tribute video honoring the legacy of BTS, the globally renowned seven-member group.
However, this turned into a major controversy as fans reportedly noticed the absence of member Suga in the footage. The tribute, showcasing BTS’ more than a decade-long journey of achievements and milestones, drew widespread criticism for excluding Suga, one of the group's rappers.
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Fans took to social media to voice their disappointment, accusing the organizers of deliberately omitting the rapper, especially after his DUI controversy earlier in the year. Hashtags such as “BTS is 7,” “MelonRespectSUGA,” and “We Will Not Tolerate Exclusion” trended globally, with tens of thousands of posts demanding an explanation from Melon.
Fans argued that the exclusion undermined the essence of BTS as a united group of seven members, regardless of any individual’s circumstances.
"Purposefully excluding a BTS member from an MMA VCR meant to honor their legacy is disrespectful. Respect all members !! BTS IS 7 MelOn RESPECT YOONGI," an X user wrote.
Here are some other reactions from fans of the Daechwita rapper condemning the event organizers.
"what did yoongi ever do to deserve this disrespect. Excluding a BTS member from an MMA VCR meant to honor their legacy is disrespectful. Respect all members," an X user wrote.
"whatever happens when yoongi is out NEVER stop being loud about him, when they attend award shows NEVER stop cheering for his name, NEVER stop mentioning good things about him," another fan commented.
"Especially when the case has since been resolved, excluding a member of BTS is rude and uncalled for. Your disrespect is unbelievable," a person mentioned.
"They don't even treat the actual criminals like this.. Oh THEY PISS ME OFF," another netizen remarked.
Many expressed disregarding Suga’s contributions was inappropriate, especially in a video meant to celebrate the group's legacy.
"To think the MMAs used to be my fave award show, this is so vile...," a fan mentioned.
"this makes me scared for yoongi once he comes back to the group. How will that country treat him when they’re determined to make him look like he commited a big crime?," a user wrote on X.
"Purposefully excluding a BTS member from an MMA VCR which is intended to honor their legacy isn’t an honor,it’s an insult. BTS HAS 7 MEMBERS WE WILL NOT TOLERATE EXCLUSION! RESPECT YOONGI," another person remarked.
More about BTS' Suga's DUI incident
The backlash is tied to an incident in August 2024, when Suga was involved in a DUI case while riding an electric scooter. Despite resolving the legal and military implications, the controversy subjected the artist to intense media scrutiny and polarized opinions among the public.
In August 2024, BTS' Suga faced controversy over a DUI incident while riding a motorized scooter in Yongsan, South Korea. At the time of the incident, his blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was reported to be at 0.227%, exceeding the legal limit and leading to the revocation of his driver’s license. Initially described as a kickboard, the vehicle was later confirmed as a motorized scooter, subjecting him to penalties.
Suga and his agency, BIGHIT MUSIC, issued apologies, acknowledging errors in their initial statements. Despite public backlash and media scrutiny, the South Korean military decided not to penalize the idol as the incident occurred off-duty. The controversy sparked mixed reactions, with fans defending him against what they saw as exaggerated media coverage while others expressed disappointment over his actions.
While Melon Music Awards has not yet addressed the concerns, fans continue to advocate for equal recognition of all seven members of BTS. The BTS rapper is scheduled to get discharged from the military in June 2025.
