On October 11, Kim Jong-chul, the Commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration (MMA), addressed the issue of BTS member and social service worker Suga (real name Min Yoon-gi) not receiving disciplinary action after being caught driving an electric scooter while intoxicated outside of working hours.
Particularly, during a National Defense Committee audit of the MMA at the National Assembly, Kim explained, “We cannot punish Suga because the military service law does not regulate such cases.”
Kim further elaborated on the difference between active-duty soldiers and social service workers, noting that while active-duty soldiers can be disciplined for offenses like drunk driving even outside working hours or during leave, there are various considerations when applying the law to social service workers.
When asked about Suga not receiving any disciplinary measures, Kim admitted, “While I don’t believe it’s entirely reasonable (for him not to be disciplined), we are focusing on educating and rehabilitating him.”
Previously on September 27, Judge Lee Yoo-seop of the Seoul Western District Court issued a summary order of a 15 million KRW (approx 11,000 USD) fine against Suga for violating the Road Traffic Act by driving under the influence. This was the same amount that the prosecution had requested. If Suga disputes the ruling, he has one week to request a formal trial.
Suga was found on August 27, around 11:27 p.m. (KST), on a street in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, having fallen off his electric scooter. Police officers nearby assisted him, and a breathalyzer test revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.227%, far above the legal limit, leading to charges of drunk driving.
Meanwhile, Suga, who entered basic military training at Nonsan Training Center in March, is currently serving as a social service worker. His service is scheduled to end in June of next year.