K-pop star Suga of the Bangtan Boys has issued a heartfelt apology following an incident where he was caught riding an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol.
- Aug 8, 2024
AceShowbiz - Suga, whose real name is Min Yoon-gi, took to the fan community platform Weverse to express his remorse after Seoul police fined him and revoked his license for drunk driving. The incident occurred on a recent Tuesday night, and Suga explained that he had been drinking during dinner and opted to use an electric scooter for the short journey home.
In his apology, Suga shared, "I easily thought it was a short distance and was unaware of the fact that you cannot ride an electric scooter when under the influence of alcohol, and therefore I violated the Road Traffic Act." The statement continued, "A police was nearby, and through the results of a breathalyzer test, my license was revoked and I paid a fine."
According to BigHit Music, the record label and agency managing BTS, Suga's drunken ride covered around 500 meters (1,640 feet) before he tripped and fell while parking the scooter in front of his home. The label confirmed that no one was injured and there was no property damage.
Despite no physical harm resulting from the incident, the repercussions could be significant, particularly given Suga's status as a public figure currently undertaking mandatory military service in South Korea. BigHit Music acknowledged the possibility of disciplinary action due to his standing as a social service agent.
Online reactions have been polarized. Some fans quickly forgave the artist for his mistake, suggesting that it was a human error. "I hope you know that this does not make you a bad person, it makes you human. There are no perfect people in this world," one fan remarked.
Others, however, expressed disappointment and highlighted the importance of adhering to laws, especially for an idol representing South Korea. "This is not something I can defend. I'm really disappointed," one user noted on X.
Suga concluded his apology by stating, "This is inexcusably something I have to take responsibility for, I bow my head in apology to everyone. I apologize to those who were hurt by my irresponsible and wrong actions, and I will be even more careful with my actions to prevent such matters from occurring in the future."
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities placed on public figures, and the significant impact their actions can have on their image and the perception of their fans and the broader public.
