On September 27th, Judge Lee Yoo-seop from the Seoul Western District Court issued a summary order of a 15 million won fine for Suga, who was charged with drunk driving under the Road Traffic Act. The fine will be officially recorded as a criminal offense. If Suga disagrees with the ruling, he has the right to request a formal trial within one week.
The news of Suga’s sentence has garnered significant attention, not only in South Korea but also from international media outlets such as Billboard, Rolling Stone, NME, Variety and NHK.
Overseas fans have reacted with comments such as “Delete this”, “Does he have to pay $11,000 just because he’s a BTS member?”, “Leave Suga alone”, “Korean laws are useless and meaningless”, “Korea is full of devils” and “It’s shameful that this society continues to harass someone who hasn’t harmed anyone. Korea should focus on actual problems rather than tormenting a national treasure.”
International fans have also pointed to the media coverage when Suga was called to the Seoul Yongsan Police Station in August for police questioning over the drunk driving incident, demanding a boycott of Korean media.
Korean fans, on the other hand, are expressing concerns about how Suga’s drunk driving charges might affect BTS’s full-group activities, planned for 2025. Fans are divided, with some supporting Suga, while others are calling for his departure from the group. Concerns include the damage to BTS’s moral image, potential limitations on their activities and the negative social perception the group may face.
Previously, Suga was found by the police in August after falling off his electric scooter while riding intoxicated in Yongsan-gu. A breathalyzer test showed his blood alcohol concentration was 0.227%. 17 days after the incident, Suga appeared at Yongsan Police Station for questioning and admitted to the drunk driving charges after three hours of investigation.
After the police inquiry, Suga issued a second apology, stating, “On the night of August 6th, I made the mistake of riding an electric scooter on the sidewalk after drinking.” He expressed his regret, saying, “I have left a major stain on the precious memories I made with my members and fans, and I have brought disgrace to the name of BTS.” He also mentioned that he would accept any future penalties.
The electric scooter Suga mentioned in his apology is classified as a personal mobility device, which requires a license to operate, and is subject to the same penalties for drunk driving as other motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act.
Following Suga’s sentencing, some fans have begun campaigns urging his departure from the group, with slogans such as “The biggest dishonor to the group is having a drunk driving offender—BTS’s ethical management starts with Suga leaving”.
Currently, all BTS members, except for Jin, who was discharged in June, are serving in the military. Member J-Hope is expected to be discharged this month.