Isha Sharma
BTS member Suga, known for his contributions to the globally popular K-pop group, has been fined approximately $11,000 for a drunken e-scooter incident that occurred on August 6. The singer, whose real name is Min Yoon-gi, was discovered by police lying next to his electric scooter with a blood alcohol level of 0.227 percent, nearly three times the legal limit in South Korea. This incident comes while he is fulfilling his mandatory military service, which all South Korean men must complete due to the country’s military tensions with North Korea.
Details of the Incident
Min Yoon-gi (born March 9, 1993), better known by his stage names Suga and Agust D, is a South Korean rapper, songwriter, and music producer.
He debuted in June 2013 as a member of the popular K-pop group BTS under Big Hit Entertainment.
In 2016, he released his first solo mixtape, Agust D, which was re-released in 2018 and reached number three on Billboard’s World Albums Chart.
His second solo mixtape, D-2, came out in 2020, achieving impressive rankings: number 11 on the US Billboard 200, number seven on the UK Albums Chart, and number two on Australia’s ARIA Album Chart.
On the night of August 6, Suga was found by police in a vulnerable state next to his e-scooter.
Following the incident, he faced legal repercussions, leading to a fine of 15 million won, which aligns with the prosecutor’s recommendation.
Under South Korean law, driving with a blood alcohol level over 0.2 percent can result in severe penalties, including significant fines and possible prison time.
As a result, Suga’s driving licence has been revoked, further complicating his situation.
Suga’s Apology and Public Reaction
Following the incident, Suga publicly apologised for his actions in a handwritten note, expressing regret for tarnishing BTS’s reputation and acknowledging the disappointment caused to his fans and fellow band members.
He referred to his actions as a “grave mistake” and conveyed a deep sense of remorse.
The public response has been mixed, with some fans expressing support while others criticise his behaviour.
The incident has sparked discussions about celebrity responsibility, especially for public figures in the K-pop industry.
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