Is BTS’s Suga Facing Unfair Punishment As A Celebrity? Key DUI Details Suggest Not
The police investigation into Suga’s drunk driving incident has now ended.
BTS‘s Suga is under investigation by the police for operating an electric scooter after drinking. The incident and the police’s response sparked concerns that the case may be blown out of proportion due to Suga’s celebrity status. However, details from the incident suggest otherwise.
On the night of August 6, Suga fell outside the Nine One Hannam luxury complex in Hannam-dong from the electric scooter he had been driving while intoxicated. An officer who had been patrolling the area approached Suga. Suga was then escorted to a nearby police station for further investigation.
A breathalyzer test at the police station confirmed that Suga’s blood alcohol level had exceeded the legal limit for driving (0.03%). It had also exceeded the limit for license cancellation (0.08%). In other words, Suga could lose his license as a result of the incident.
According to Hankook Ilbo, the police officers involved did not recognize Suga as a member of the globally famous group BTS at the time of the incident. This detail undermines the argument that his celebrity status influenced the handling of the case.
At the time of the incident, none of the officers who responded to the scene realized that the electric scooter driver was a BTS member.
— Hankook Ilbo
Because of Suga’s popularity, however, the case has been subjected to severe scrutiny online. Some international fans have defended Suga and downplayed the incident due to the fact that he was driving a scooter. In response, some Korean netizens have criticized these fans and condemned Suga’s decision to drive drunk, regardless of the vehicle.
oh god.. This is so unserious you're making him guilty and Apologize for riding a kickboard? He just fell down while parking scooter in front of his house and you all causing a fuss over it? Let the man live😭
WE LOVE YOU YOONGI pic.twitter.com/g9INP9s8Sv
— ً (@littletkheart) August 7, 2024
The police when they saw yoongi fall off that scooter pic.twitter.com/RdfEwAN5Z8
— xo, lee ❀ (@iwonmatcha) August 7, 2024
The fact that Yoongi was literally at his front door and fell and a police officer was like GOTCHA?? Like bro? It’s a scooter, it’s not that serious. 😭 #BTSSUGA pic.twitter.com/j88dY4dsnj
— A. Lemon ♡ (@mother0flemons) August 7, 2024
Some fans have suggested the backlash is unwarranted.
korean police are so funny there are serious crimes happening in your country and this is your priority https://t.co/OQ2M9i5tvu
— noel⁷ (@hoseokline) August 7, 2024
now let's look at the facts
1) yoongi only rode a short distance
2) he was on a tiny ass scooter
3) he was already home
4) clumsy guy just fell off… AT HOME
5) he was tested… at home…like is this not silly and unwarranted as hell 😭 https://t.co/13UUNhoBe0
— ree⁷ (@jkyoongs) August 7, 2024
What kpoppies what he actually
thinking yoongi drove
Drove pic.twitter.com/SWxmIUPYxf— Ava⭑ (@jjeonggukosmos7) August 7, 2024
