BTS Suga DUI Case: Rapper Hit with a Hefty Fine Before the Case was Closed

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SEPTEMBER 12,2024

BTS member Suga recently found himself embroiled in a controversy when he was caught driving under influence (DUI). The case, which unfolded over the past few weeks, has now come to a close without a trial, but not without consequences.

Suga's DUI Incident: Here's what happened

On August 6, Suga was returning home after having drinks at a dinner when he was caught riding an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol. While near his residence, Suga fell off the scooter and was spotted by two police officers stationed nearby. A breathalyser test administered on the spot revealed that his blood alcohol level was 0.227#37, which is more than three times the legal limit of 0.08#37 in South Korea. This is a serious violation under the country's Road Traffic Act.

In South Korea, if someone's blood alcohol level exceeds 0.08#37, they can face either a jail sentence of one to two years or a fine between 5 and 10 million KRW. In cases where the alcohol level exceeds 0.2#37, as it did with Suga, the legal consequences become even more severe. The jail time can range from more than two years to five years, and fines may go up to 20 million KRW.

Despite the gravity of the violation, Suga's actions did not result in any harm to other individuals or damage to property.

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Legal proceedings come to an end with a hefty fine

Following the incident, Suga was summoned for questioning at Yongsan Police Station in Seoul on August 23. He was questioned for three hours, during which he admitted his mistake and cooperated with the authorities. The case has now been closed without a full trial, thanks to a legal process known as a summary order.

A summary order is used in cases of minor offences, allowing the court to impose fines based on a written instead of holding a full trial. For Suga's DUI offence, the Seoul Western District Court has sentenced him to a fine of 15 million KRW. This is considered a hefty fine for violating the Road Traffic Act.

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Suga's public apologies

Before the case was officially closed, Suga had already addressed the incident with two public apologies. His first apology was issued shortly after the incident and read, 'I am deeply sorry and heavy-hearted to come to you with such disappointing news. Last night, after having drinks at dinner, I rode an electric scooter to go home. With the complacent thought that it was a short distance and without realising that using an electric scooter while intoxicated is prohibited, I violated traffic laws.'

In a second, more personal apology, Suga posted a handwritten note on social media. He wrote, 'I would like to ashamedly apologise once again. I sincerely apologise for the disappointment that my misbehaviour has caused to my fans and those who have shown me love. I have made a big mistake and have forgotten my responsibility to repay everyone with actions worthy of the amount of love that I have received.'

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'On August 6, I made the mistake of driving an electric scooter on the sidewalk after drinking. Also, I am sorry for the confusion I caused following my first apology I hastily posted on August 7. I should have thought more deeply about my actions and have been more careful, but I did not,' he added.

At present, Suga is serving his mandatory military duty as a social service agent, an alternative form of military service in South Korea. His military service, combined with his swift acknowledgement of the DUI incident and the hefty fine imposed, indicates that the case has reached its conclusion.

Though the incident has somewhat marred his otherwise spotless career, Suga's handling of the situation, particularly his public apologies and cooperation with the legal process, has shown a willingness to take responsibility for his actions.