"Corrupt and biased" — Fans criticize K-Media outlets as controversy of Lee Youngji allegedly shading BTS SUGA's DUI case surfaces internet

On Saturday, August 24, many Korean media outlets called out Lee Youngji for allegedly shading BTS SUGA following the release of her latest No Prepare episode on YouTube.

In the episode, the rapper introduced the sponsor, an alcoholic beverage with zero sugar, but the caption read "NO SUGA" instead of "NO SUGAR" in Korean. This led to controversy, which was exacerbated when Lee Youngji gave a warning to her viewers to not drink and drive a cycle under the influence.

This controversy was linked to BTS SUGA's DUI case, where he was charged with driving an electric scooter under the influence. Several Korean media outlets reported on the same, but netizens soon came to the rapper's defense by stating that the video was filmed in July, long before the DUI case, that landed on August 6.

Additionally, netizens stated that the warning message from the rapper was due to the new theme of her show. Lee Youngji recently kicked off the third season of her drinking show, No Prepare, where she picks up her guests on a bicycle to the backyard of her new home. Many netizens stated that these instances were coincidental and called out the media for creating controversy. One fan on X wrote:

"This sense of invincibility kmedia has developed,,,no other press media of any other country is this much corrupt and biased and egoistic."

Here are a few reactions and comments from the netizens:

"It's really crazy how they(kmedia) work. With how manipulative they can be. We really need to fight this," a fan on X commented.

"They are attacking everyone that are calling them out or simply supporting yg. How, why and who gave them this much power even the samsung have to submit?! They need to be humbled," another fan added.

More netizens talked about how they are trying to blackout Korean media outlets.

"Kmedia is so desperate since this blew up internationally and they’re being both criticized and ignored. No clicks = no revenue = no sponsors = no outlet," an X user stated.

"Media is too vile rn. They are actively twisting everything," one fan commented.

"Oof the media trying to make lee youngji the next target. Like see when i said that the media foam at the mouth when they dont get to harrass celebs," another fan added.

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All you need to know about BTS SUGA's DUI case

On August 6, a police report stated that BTS SUGA was charged with DUI for driving an electric scooter under the influence. Soon, the idol released a statement on Weverse, explaining the situation. He stated that he was leaving his studio after having a few drinks with his friends. Since the electric scooter was the nearest form of transportation, he left home using it.

The idol's home was approximately 500 meters away from his studio, and he rode the electric scooter on a sidewalk. He stated in his statement that he wasn't aware that driving an electric scooter under the influence was illegal. While no one was hurt by the incident, the idol fell off his scooter in front of his house. Though he recovered quickly, the patrol police nearby approached him.

After a breathalyzer test, the idol was charged with DUI, required to pay a fine, and had his license revoked. Further investigations are expected, with the police revealing that these would be conducted privately. SUGA was spotted at the Yongsan police station on August 23 for the first set of investigations.