“WE LOVE YOU YOONGI” trends worldwide on X as BTS’s Suga appears for police questioning for DUI charges

BTS's Min Yoongi, aka Suga, appeared at the Yongsan Police Station for interrogation regarding his DUI charges on August 23, 2024. South Korean media outlet Dispatch live-streamed how a crowd of reporters had been gathering outside the police station for a photo line since afternoon.

For the unversed, a photo line is reportedly an illegal and unethical media practice where reporters question the individual in the name of a "public trial." This practice which exists in South Korea is alleged to be defamatory.

Meanwhile, several phrases and hashtags such as "WE LOVE YOU YOONGI," #BesideSUGA, #YoongiNeverWalksAlone, and "Suga of BTS" globally on X. Each had over 32,000 reposts and retweets on the social media platform.

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International media questions Koreans and raises concerns about BTS's Suga being targeted by them

BTS's Suga was found drunk driving a foldable electric kickboard/scooter on August 6, around 11:15 PM (KST). MBC reported that his blood alcohol level was at 0.08% as per the police report. Later, several Korean media claimed that his BAC was at 0.227%. It is crucial to note that this hasn't been confirmed by the police.

Due to his DUI incident, the police said that they were discussing summoning the rapper for questioning. Reportedly, the interrogation was scheduled for August 22. However, HYBE stated that it was an incorrect report and the police were still finalizing the date.

On August 23, Dispatch started live streaming from outside the Yongsan Police Station, showing many reporters waiting for Suga's appearance. A few hours later, the Haegeum rapper-songwriter arrived at the station. Koreaboo reported that BTS's Min Yoongi apologized in front of the media before entering the police station on August 23.

"Firstly, I am very sorry. I am truly reflecting on having hugely disappointed many fans and many people. I will diligently undergo the investigations. Once again, I am sorry."

Korea Dispatch live-streamed BTS's Min Yoongi's arrival at the police precinct for questioning. (Images via X/@_koreadispatch_)

Previously, Korean media reportedly published articles allegedly threatening to tarnish his reputation if he did not appear for a photo line outside the police station. Paris Match mentioned this in their report and criticized the Korean journalists.

On August 23, 2024, Newsis reported that the French weekly magazine Paris Match claimed how the Korean media has been targeting BTS's Min Yoongi. Concerns were raised about the idol's drunk driving an electric scooter and the ensuing public backlash.

Paris Match further highlighted how some Korean media outlets demanded the idol's removal from BTS and also asked brands to cancel his endorsement deals, according to Newsis.

Newsis reported that Paris Match wrote,

"How can [BTS's agency] Hybe explain to the United States, the home of the star system and scandal, that they had to disband the world's most popular group because of an article about an electric scooter with a seat? [...] There is no way that fans around the world would abandon Suga who needs them the most."

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Currently, BTS's Min Yoongi is serving as a social service worker in the South Korean military. Chosun Ilbo reported on August 23 that the Military Manpower Administration might investigate the idol's duty attendance after receiving a complaint from an anonymous netizen.

The netizen demanded an inquiry via a petition to check whether Suga had attempted to avoid his duty and applied for needless leaves.