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On Wednesday, August 7, 2024, BTS' Suga's agency BigHit Music released a statement through the popular artist-fan community platform Weverse regarding his recent electric kickboard incident, revealing the artist got a fine and his license revoked for driving under the influence.
In light of the incident, many may wonder if driving an electric kickboard under the influence is a punishable offense.
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As reported by The Korea Herald, a person under similar circumstances, appealed to the Central Administrative Judgment Commission of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission for an administrative trial and was refused. At the time, it was made clear that drunk driving an electric scooter was indeed unlawful. Per the Road Traffic Act, any case of DUI can lead to a driving ban.
As the usage of electronic scooters for locomotion continues to increase, the commission stated its persistence in making strict decisions regarding the drunken use of electric scooters and similar vehicles for pedestrians' safety. Therefore, BTS' Suga's license being revoked and him being fined for similar violations, is also owing to this law.
BTS' Suga's DUI incident explored: BigHit Music's statement, the idol's apology letter on Weverse, and more
On Tuesday night, August 6, Suga was riding home from a dinner party on his electric kickboard, in a state of intoxication. Having collapsed while parking the scooter in front of his house, he was tested for drunk driving by the police and the results came positive.
He was fined and his license was revocated for the same, before being escorted back home by the police. At the same time, no damage to people or property was noted.
In the statement released on Wednesday morning, BigHit Music apologized for Suga's drunk driving incident and explained the situation to the public. They promised to take better measures to avoid such happenings in the future. They wrote,
"Hello, This is Big Hit Music. We apologize regarding the electric scooter incident involving BTS member Suga. On the night of the 6th (Tuesday), Suga was on his way home in a state of intoxication while wearing a helmet and using an electric scooter. Having traveled approximately 500 meters, he fell while parking the scooter."
The notice continued,
"The police, nearby at the time, conducted a breathalyzer test, resulting in a fine and his license being revoked. No damage either personal or to property occurred in this incident, and he returned home under police supervision.
The label ended the statement on a note of responsibility for the incident and said the Daechwita rapper would duly accept any disciplinary actions from his employer,
"We sincerely apologize for the disappointment caused by the artist’s inappropriate behavior. As a social service worker, he will accept any disciplinary actions from his workplace owing to this incident. We pledge to take greater care to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Thank you."
Additionally, the 31-year-old BTS rapper, who is currently completing his mandatory 18-month military service, also took to Weverse to pen an earnest note of apology for his actions. In his address to ARMYs (BTS fans), Suga explained how he was unaware of the law regarding driving an electric scooter drunk and would like to sincerely apologize for causing disappointment.
The letter read,
"Hello, this is Suga. I feel heavy-hearted and deeply sorry to address you regarding this disappointing incident. After drinking at a dinner gathering last night, I rode an electric kickboard to go home. Mistakenly thinking it was a short distance, I failed to realize that riding an electric scooter while intoxicated is prohibited, thereby violating traffic laws.
It went on,
"While parking the scooter in front of my house, I fell over. A police officer was nearby and conducted a breathalyzer test, resulting in my license being revoked and a fine being imposed. Although there were no injuries to people or damage to property, I would still wish to bow down in apology to everyone for my inexcusable actions.
BTS' Suga concluded the letter on a self-reflective note,
"I apologize to those hurt by my careless and wrongful behavior. I will be more mindful in my actions to ensure this does not happen again in the future."
After the incident, an official from the Military Manpower Administration told Xports News on August 7, that as far as punishments are concerned, there will be no extension of Suga's social service period. This is because social service personnel are only subject to punishment for actions caused during working hours.
The spokesperson expanded that outside of working hours, social service agents are treated the same as ordinary citizens, hence, no additional penalties will be imposed on BTS' Suga.
