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BTS’ Suga was found driving under the influence on August 6, 2024, in Yongsan, Seoul, South Korea. According to Donga Ilbo's exclusive report on August 9, the blood alcohol content in percentage was reported to be 0.2 or higher, which may increase the punishment.
According to the report, Suga was charged with drunk driving in violation of the Road Traffic Act, and the alcohol content in his blood was reportedly 0.227 percent. As per the statement shared by Yongsan Police, the BTS rapper stated that he had only consumed one can of beer and drove for a short distance.
Following the current rules and regulations regarding driving, a person charged for DUI on an electric scooter with 0.08 percent or more but less than 0.2 percent may be sentenced to prison for at least one year but not more than two years. If not sentenced to jail, the person reportedly also has to pay the fine of 5 to 10 million KRW ($3.6k to $7.3k).
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However, if the blood alcohol level is 0.2 percent or more, the person will reportedly be sentenced to prison for 2 to 5 years with a fine of 10 to 20 million KRW ($7.3k to $14.6k). Notably, Suga’s agency, BIGHIT MUSIC, is yet to respond to Donga Ilbo's report regarding the DUI and the musician's alleged blood alcohol level.
Was BTS’ Suga driving license revoked following the DUI incident?
The BTS member was booked for drunk driving on an electric scooter on the night of August 6. He was reportedly seen falling off the electric scooter near his residence, and according to the Yongsan Police, he took the breathalyzer test.
If a person is found with blood alcohol content over 0.08 percent, their driving license is likely to be revoked by the police, and they reportedly may not be able to attain it for one year. In Suga’s case, according to Donga Ilbo's report on August 9, the police stated that his license has not been revoked yet and the case is under investigation.
On August 7, BIGHIT MUSIC made an official statement, and Suga issued a formal apology on Weverse, which allegedly had some inconsistency, leading to further confusion regarding the vehicle he used.
According to the agency's statement, the Haegeum singer used an electric kickboard during the incident. However, it was reportedly found out that the electric scooter had a seat attached.
The same day, BIGHIT MUSIC made another statement on Weverse, explaining the error and stating,
“The company came to the conclusion that the product used by the artist was an electric kick board with a seat. During an additional investigation (of the incident), we realized that the classification of the product may vary depending on the performance and specifications of the product, and the responsibility for the accident may also vary.”
They further stated,
“There was no intention to minimize the issue at all. We would like to once again apologize for not being meticulous and for rushing to speak.”
According to the second statement by BIGHIT MUSIC, both Suga and the management company perceived that the matter had been closed following the breathalyzer test on August 6.
However, there were other procedures left to be followed. The company once again extended their apology for the incident involving their artist as well as for the confusion.
