"CAN YOU EVEN BE CHARGED FOR THAT" — Fans react to BTS Suga allegedly drunk driving an electric kickboard, HYBE responds

On August 7, 2024, BTS' Min Yoongi, who is referred to by his stage name Suga, made headlines for allegedly drunk driving near his home. MBC News reported that Suga was investigated by Yongsan Police Station in Seoul on the night of August 6 for driving an electric kickboard.

The police reported that Suga fell off the electric kickboard around the Yongsan district. They asked the BTS idol to do a breathing test, which detected alcohol content. On August 7, HYBE Labels (formerly BIGHIT MUSIC) told MBC that they were looking into facts of what actually happened.

For an unversed, an electric kickboard is a light-motor vehicle. It is wireless and runs through a hand-held throttle remote. Its top speed is 25 mph or 40 kph, equivalent to fast riding a bicycle. Meanwhile, the BTS ARMY went into a frenzy and found the entire situation hilarious, given that South Korea has serious crimes to take care of.

One fan wrote on X:

"GETTING INVESTIGATED FOR DRUNK DRIVING A SCOOTER?!?!? CAN YOU EVEN BE CHARGED FOR THAT IM CRYING WHAT GOES ON"

Fans expressed disbelief over the police and online reactions to Suga's recent electric kickboard incident as the vehicle is often used by kids in several countries.

"Kpop stans thinking they can use this as a drag I'm crying, the level of dementia they reached that they have to use this," one fan wrote.

"At least we got yoongi update y'all idc a win is a win," another fan joked.

"Thank you for your apology but I hope you know that you don't disappoint us at all. Please take care of yourself always," another fan said.

The BTS ARMY stated that amongst all other "serious crimes happening" in South Korea, the police have a "funny" way of prioritizing cases.

"Poor guy was just a lil tipsy after drinking and fell in front of his own house. Ily yoongi I hope you’re not too hard on yourself," one fan wrote.

"If I was forced to work a 9 to 5 job for 2 years, despite being a renowned artist and the country's pride, I'd be drunk driving my scooter at night too" one other fan commented.

"Korean police are so funny there are serious crimes happening in your country and this is your priority," another fan mentioned.

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BTS Suga issues an apology letter on Weverse

On August 7, 2024, Suga took to Weverse and apologized for his behavior and for causing his fans stress. He underscored that he wasn't aware of the Korean laws pertaining to riding an electric kickboard.

"Hello, I'm Suga. I feel very heavy and sorry to come to you with disappointment. After drinking at the dinner table last night, I got home on an electric kickboard. I violated the road traffic laws without realizing that I could not use an electric kickboard when I was drunk due to the comfortable idea of being close to home."

He elaborated on how he was trying to park the electric kickboard and fell off in front of his house door. Suga added that a police officer was nearby and came to assist him when he requested the rapper for a blow test (breath test). The BTS idol mentioned that he got his license suspended for a few days and was fined.

"In the process of setting up an electric kickboard at the front door of the house, I fell alone, and there was a police officer around me, so I took a breath test and found that my license was revoked and a fine was imposed. There were no people or facilities damaged in this process, but I would like to bow down and apologize to everyone because it is my inexcusable responsibility."

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In other news, BTS' Min Yoongi enlisted in the South Korean military on September 22, 2023. Owing to a shoulder injury, he was placed in the Grade 4 cadet category and opted for the 21-month alternative obligatory service as a social service worker.