The Korean Communications Standards Commission reported to impose legal sanctions on JTBC for spreading false CCTV footage regarding BTS SUGA DUI case

On Monday, September 2, the Korean Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) spoke regarding JTBC's false report of BTS SUGA's DUI case. The institution stated that they are planning to impose legal sanctions on the broadcaster for releasing and spreading false CCTV footage of the K-pop idol in relation to his recent drunk-driving case.

South Korean television network JTBC broadcast alleged CCTV footage on August 7 related to BTS' SUGA during his ongoing DUI case. The clip featured a man riding an electric scooter while inebriated. However, this footage was proven to be false after another media outlet, Donga Ilbo, released the correct one.

While JTBC soon apologized for their mistake, the South Korean media outlet Yonhap News reported that the case was being investigated by the KCSC. After a period of consideration, the institution's chairman, Ryu Hee-rim, said the following, as reported by Donga Ilbo,

"During our broadcast deliberation, we imposed legal sanctions on the broadcaster that quoted the 'Kim Man-bae Shin Hak-rim false recording record' last year. Of course, greed seems to have preceded this time, but I think it is necessary to listen to the opinions of the officials on how the unconfirmed video was reported like a real video."

Fans of the rapper have expressed satisfaction with the board's decision. Given that netizens have been calling out JTBC's unprofessionalism with the footage report for days now, they are happy to see the broadcasting agency be held accountable for their mistakes.

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BTS SUGA's DUI case: What happened, police investigations, and other updates

On August 7, a police report regarding BTS SUGA being charged with DUI landed on the internet. The idol was charged for driving an electric scooter under the influence. Soon after the news reached the netizens, the K-pop idol wrote a letter of apology to fans through Weverse.

SUGA explained that on August 6, around 11 PM KST, he left his studio after having a few drinks with his friends. Given that an electric scooter was the nearest form of transportation, he chose to ride it back home since his house was only 500 meters away. The singer added that he wasn't aware that driving an electric scooter under the influence was illegal.

The Seesaw rapper further mentioned that no one was hurt by the incident, but he fell in front of his house from the electric scooter while taking a turn. The patrol police nearby who witnessed his fall approached him and took a breathalyzer test. As the test showcased that he was drunk, the idol was charged with DUI, had to pay a fine, and his license was revoked.

On August 23, private investigations took place at the Yongsan Police Station, where the idol was accompanied by his lawyer. After the investigations, the case was moved to prosecution. Further updates regarding the same have yet to reach the internet.