"IT WAS A SETUP" — ARMYs furious over reports defaming Suga and accusing fandom of creating drunk driving challenge amid BTS member's ongoing DUI case

On August 12, 2024, BTS fans (ARMY) trended several hashtags on X amid Min Yoongi aka Suga's ongoing DUI controversy. Fans claimed that Korean media tried to defame the K-pop star by publishing unverified details about his drunk driving incident. They also posted screenshots as supposed evidence under the hashtags, claiming that the notorious "Suga Challenge" trend was started by an anti-fan.

For the unversed, the BTS idol was charged with drunk driving an electric kickboard on August 7, 2024. TV Daily reported that Yongsan Police Station fined him for violating the Road Traffic Act. An electric scooter is a personal mobility device (PMD) which is small and electrically powered, and has a maximum speed of 30km/hr—equivalent to a bicycle.

The K-pop idol immediately apologized via Weverse post for breaking the law. He also told the police that he had a glass of beer at dinner before riding the electric scooter to his house in Hannam-dong.

On August 11, netizens mentioned the "Suga Challenge" hashtag and posted their pictures with alcohol in cars. K-media reported that BTS ARMY showed support by creating the online trend.

ARMYs used statements like "IT WAS A SETUP," "CHALLENGE WAS FAKE, " and "Korean Media Be Professional" on X. They tagged Korean media outlets like MBC, Chosun, SBS, etc., for allegedly defaming the fandom without verifying the truth. They also shared screenshots of the accounts that allegedly started the online Suga challenge under the pretext of being Suga fans.

Several fans also wrote to BIGHIT MUSIC, asking them to protect their artist (BTS' Yoongi) and take action against media houses spreading misinformation. Others directly condemned Korean media for their "unethical" and "unprofessional" journalistic practices.

"Hello @BIGHIT_MUSIC, Korean media spread false narrative about a challenge on X. The challenge wasn't initiated by ARMY and we doesn't support it. It is the creation of anti fans of BTS. We tried reaching out to Korean media but we can't do this alone. Protect your artist," one fan wrote.

"Hello @withMBC, We want to inform you that news about the challenge you broadcasted is based on a false rumor. BTS Fandom ARMY didn't create the trend and don't support it," another ARMY wrote.

"The news that you broadcasted on national TV was based on a false rumor. ARMYs DID NOT initiated or participate in this trend. It's a shame that a big broadcast company did not fact check before broadcasting," another fan said.

ARMYs also tagged MBC, Chosun, and more, and asked them to delete their articles and issue an apology to the BTS idols and his fans.

"The lack of ethics & professionalism is disgusting bec there's no way those k-journalists couldn't identify the tips sent by antis as misinformation when it's this easy to find," one fan added.

"Hello @Chosun @EnglishChosun your sports writer just posted a defamatory article. Please issue a retraction and apology!" another ARMY asked for an apology.

"Hoping this malicious attack towards HIM and ARMYS will end soon as it’s getting to the point where it is not humanly," another ARMY wrote.

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Fans claim MBC is trying to run a smear campaign against BTS' Suga

TV Daily reported that several netizens demanded the BTS idol's appearance for the "Photo Line." For the uninitiated, a Photo Line means journalists can directly interrogate the suspect in public. This is also known as "trial by public opinion" method and only exists in South Korea.

However, ARMYs have shielded the BTS idol amid allegedly false reports where the details of his drunk driving incident were supposedly distorted. On August 9, Koreaboo reported that Suga's blood alcohol level was 0.08% (BAC) according to the Yongsan Police Station. Later, on August 11, Korea Times reported that his BAC was over 0.227%.

The idol supposedly stumbled in front of his house door while trying to park his electric kickboard on the night of August 6. Police subsequently stated that the alcohol level was up to 0.08%, and fans now believe that the Korean media is unfairly "targeting" Suga.

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Meanwhile, Suga apologized for his actions on August 7, 2024, and the Military Manpower Association stated that they would not take any action against Suga for the DUI incident (still under investigation) since it happened outside his work premises and during off-duty hours.