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On October 20, 2024, BTS' Suga's DUI (driving under the influence) controversy stirred the internet as several flower wreaths were sent outside HYBE by antis. Some netizens demanded Min Yoongi, aka Suga's, removal from BTS after the rapper's DUI incident was discussed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Show host Stephen Colbert highlighted in the latest episode (released on October 18) that Suga faced criticism and public backlash after driving an electric scooter/kickboard reportedly under the influence in August 2024. The statement displeased a few Korean netizens, who sent flower wreaths to HYBE and protested, asking for the rapper's withdrawal from BTS.
However, some BTS fans (ARMY) arrived outside the HYBE building in Seoul. They started singing the BTS fan chant—"Kim Namjoon, Kim Seokjin, Min Yoongi, Jung Hoseok, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung, Jeon Jungkook, BTS"—to show their support for the Haegeum rapper-songwriter.
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On X, international fans trended several phrases and hashtags such as BTS IS 7, WE LOVE YOU YOONGI, #BTSisSeven, #WeLoveYouYoongi, #YoongiNeverWalksAlone, #ARMYLoves7, and #7StarsInARMYsGalaxy, among others.
The BTS ARMY lauded those who showed up outside HYBE to voice their support towards the Haegeum rapper-songwriter.
"That's what we wanted! More action and representation towards them, seeing that there are real people and looking into our eyes that we TRUST them. Thank you BARMYS, karmys and ARMY for the world. I'm thrilled. WE LOVE YOU YOONGI," one fan wrote.
"When BTS said LOUDER THAN BOMBS. This what ARMY do LOUDER," another fan said.
"I WILL LOVE ARMY TO THE REST OF MY LIFE," another fan added.
Others highlighted that the flower wreaths were eventually removed due to the ARMY's constant chanting outside the HYBE building. However, a few fans stated that the wreaths were removed as the time limit was exceeded, and antis might send new wreaths tomorrow as well.
"Every single army that turned up today .. every single person behind all the support projects which blocked those ugly [wreaths] .. everyone who donated .. every person who has been loud in their support for our seven .. come here, today we really showed what being an army is about," a fan wrote.
"The timing permited was over. They will put again tomorrow and next day. Kindly keep complaining and fighting together army. We got this." another fan added.
"Thank you ARMYs, be it K-diamonds or i-lovelies who came and stayed until the end. May we stay strong for our 7. We cheer you from afar while voting and streaming!" one other fan said.
Stephen Colbert jokes about BTS' Suga needing a license to ride an electric scooter
On October 18, 2024, the Hollywood TV personality and host of the popular talk show The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was baffled to learn that BTS' Suga apologized for riding an electric scooter. Colbert added that kids in New York are often seen riding a foldable electric scooter for which the BTS got his "license revoked."
He said:
"There is a scandal as Suga from the K-pop boyband BTS has apologized for driving an electric scooter while intoxicated. For which, he was not only fined but also had his license revoked. Wait a second, wait! Koreans need a license to drive one of these? In New York, you will see them ridden down Broadway by a baby eating a turkey leg," he said.
The clip went viral online as BTS ARMYs agreed with Stephen Colbert's statement. They mentioned how the media allegedly harassed him and tried him as a criminal, slandering him with false reports.
For the unversed, in August 2024, when the rapper was charged with drunk driving an electric scooter, JTBC released a false CCTV footage claiming that the idol was speeding on a motorized regular scooter.
On August 16, 2024, JTBC apologized to BTS' Suga after Dong-A Ilbo news outlet debunked JTBC's claims by releasing the original CCTV footage showing Suga riding a foldable e-kickboard.
Suga was fined approximately $11,500 for driving an e-kickboard under the influence. He also had his license revoked temporarily. However, the Seoul Police Department confirmed he did not need a license to ride an e-scooter/kickboard.
