"How do we know if this is really him" — Netizens divided over BTS Suga's alleged drunk driving CCTV footage

On August 7, 2024, BTS Suga's DUI case took a new turn when South Korean media outlet JTBC released CCTV footage, alleging that it showed the BTS idol riding an e-scooter. JTBC claimed in the caption,

“Suga riding a foldable electric scooter.”

For the unversed, the BTS idol got embroiled in a DUI controversy where he was fined for drunk driving a foldable electric kickboard around 11:15 p.m. in Hannam-dong on August 6. A police officer saw Suga falling down while parking the vehicle in front of his own house.

Reportedly, upon doing a blow test, Suga's blood alcohol level score was as low as 0.08%. Still, he was fined and his license was revoked.

Meanwhile, netizens were skeptical of the clip released by JTBC since the quality of the footage was blurry. The face of the person allegedly riding the e-scooter was also not visible in the video, as it was recorded from a seemingly faraway CCTV. Netizens questioned the authenticity of the footage and how anyone could tell who the person was. One X user wrote,

"So how do we know if this is really him lmao."

Fans questioned JTBC's clip's authenticity that alleged Suga driving an e-scooter in traffic. (Image via X/@bubbabunnykoo)

The breaking news caused a stir across social media on August 7, 2024, as media heavily covered the incident. Several netizens weren't convinced by the low-quality CCTV footage and called out JTBC for spreading "lies."

"Clip with 144p resolution, I can't even determine if it's a man or a woman but you claim it’s yoongi? So what if I say the scooter driver in the clip is me lmao?" one netizen wrote.

"Wow you people can lie on his name & then sheeps be like "exactly you're right" like it wasn't proven by police & yoongi himself it was foldable scooter not electric. He's not idiot who will lie knowing hungry wolves around him who are always ready to attack," another netizen added.

"I’m gonna go with you and believe this. If this is not scooter and it’s a bike then I’ll bow down to yoongi for how slow he drives. This man is so careful cz even my grandpa will be faster riding a bike. Sk should put him in the posters as a role model in Korea," one other netizen said.

Others expressed their disappointment but also highlighted the fact that Suga was quick to apologize and take responsibility.

"Ily Yoongi but this could’ve easily turned into a tragedy… any form of DUI is irresponsible idc," one netizen wrote.

"Yes, it’s very disappointing," another netizen commented.

"Yoongi got lawfully punished for what he did, Bighit expressed their disappointment for what happened, the authorities didnt leave a single detail behind and revealed everything, the military released said hes not punished by them bc hes off duty… what else do yall want?" one other netizen reacted.

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How severe was Suga's driving incident? Details explored as the internet debates over e-scooters & its risks

An electric kickboard is a low-motor vehicle with a speed range between 15 and 25 mph (24 and 40 kph). The speed is similar to fast riding a regular bicycle. Meanwhile, JTBC reported that Suga's electric scooter was foldable and had a top speed of 30 kph (km/hr).

News 1 reported that according to the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul, the BTS idol's breathalyzer report showed a blood alcohol content of 0.08%. As per South Korea's Road Traffic Act, a blood alcohol content between 0.08 and 0.2% is enough to get the person penalized and their license revoked for a brief period.

Meanwhile, as soon as the news broke out on the morning of August 7, 2024, BTS' Suga was quick to apologize via a Weverse post and take accountability for his actions. BIGHIT MUSIC issued a statement where they apologized on behalf of the BTS idol.

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Min Yoongi, aka Suga of BTS, enlisted in the South Korean military on September 22, 2023. Due to his shoulder injury, the musician was categorized as a Grade-5 recruit and had to opt for social services. He will return in June 2025.

Notably, Grade-5 recruits are those who are not entirely physically fit due to some injury or deformity but can serve an alternate service of 21 months as social service employees.