KBS issues statement on BTS’ Suga’s possible ban from channel amid his ongoing DUI case

According to a report by Xports News, BTS' Min Yoongi, aka Suga's possible ban from broadcast appearances amidst his ongoing DUI controversy, is being discussed. On August 16, 2024, KBS stated that they have "no plans" to conduct a broadcast appearance regulation review against him yet.

"There are no plans to hold a broadcast appearance regulation review committee regarding Suga."

However, as per reports by Daily Sports, KBS stated that since the BTS idol is currently serving his mandatory enlistment, conducting a disciplinary review now for his DUI incident would be counterproductive as there is still time for him to make appearances on television.

"Whether or not to hold a broadcast appearance review committee for Suga has not been decided." (as reported by Daily Sports)

Furthermore, Daily Sports reported that since Suga's blood alcohol level was allegedly 0.227%, he could be banned from TV appearances by KBS and could also get his face "mosaic-processed" on BTS' videos and content. It is crucial to note that MBC reported on August 7 that the BTS idol's blood alcohol level was 0.08%, according to the Yongsan Police Department.

For the unversed, KBS' guidelines for acts that cause social controversy because they are unlawful or immoral are reviewed for broadcast appearance regulations.

Xports News reported that the Broadcast Appearance Regulation Review Committee also executes disciplinary action in cases of draft dodging, habitual drug use and mar*juana smoking, assault, and s*xual harassment, as well as other civil and criminal charges.

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Latest updates into BTS' Suga's ongoing DUI controversy

For the unversed, the BTS idol got roped into a DUI incident when he was returning to his home on the night of August 6, riding an electric kickboard/scooter. On August 7, reports surfaced that the idol was fined for drunk driving an electric scooter and fell down in front of his residence. On August 15, Dong-a Ilbo released the original CCTV clip of the idol riding a remote-controlled electric scooter.

Amidst severe public backlash and scrutiny by the Korean media, the idol immediately apologized for his actions through Weverse. However, K-media outlets alleged that the idol could be punished with 2 to 5 years of prison and a fine of 10 million won for speeding on a motorized electric scooter.

Dong-a Ilbo's released CCTV footage debunked all those claims, as the idol was clearly seen riding a foldable electric scooter. The model's maximum speed was 30 km/hr, and it had no engine. Furthermore, Suga was seen riding the mobility device slower than 30 km/hr. To give context, the peak speed of a fast bicycle is limited to between 30 and 40 km/h.

Furthermore, JTBC released an unverified CCTV clip on August 7 that showed a person riding a motorized scooter on the way toward Namsan, which is the opposite way of Nine One Hannam Complex. JTBC claimed that the rider was Suga. Later, JTBC apologized to the idol for the fake footage on August 16 after Dong-a Ilbo's footage debunked their allegations.

Meanwhile, since Suga is serving in the South Korean military as a social service worker due to his shoulder injury, the Military Manpower Administration (MMA) stated on August 7 that they wouldn't levy any punishment on him. They also added that the incident occurred outside of his duty hours and away from the work premises; hence, MMA won't take any action against him.

However, on August 8, The Korea Times reported that the Military Manpower Administration announced that they would strengthen their laws and educate their recruits on the Road Traffic Act and the usage of electric scooters. They said,

"The Military Manpower Administration and service facilities will strengthen education to ensure that social service agents follow the law during their service period, and will closely manage and oversee the agents through service guidance officers."

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Suga is set to be discharged from the military in June 2025 and resume band activities.