Min Yoon-gi, widely known as Suga from the globally acclaimed K-pop group BTS, has been fined 15 million won (approximately $11,500) for operating an electric scooter while under the influence of alcohol. The Seoul Western District Court issued this penalty through a summary judgment in late September 2024, following a referral to the prosecution.
The incident, which occurred in August 2024, led to Suga issuing a public apology, acknowledging his "careless and wrong behavior." As a consequence, law enforcement revoked his license for the e-scooter operation while intoxicated. According to Big Hit Music, Suga's management company under the HYBE corporation, the artist stumbled while parking the scooter at night and subsequently failed a breath test administered by police.
This event transpired during BTS's hiatus from group activities, which began in June 2022. Since then, the septet's members have been pursuing individual projects and fulfilling their mandatory military service obligations. Suga, at 31 years old, has been engaged in social service work as part of his military duty commitment.
The drunk driving incident has cast a shadow on the typically pristine image associated with K-pop idols. Some devoted BTS fans, known collectively as ARMY, expressed their disappointment by sending flower wreaths near HYBE headquarters, accompanied by messages requesting Suga's departure from the group.
It's worth noting that BTS has been a cultural phenomenon since their debut in 2013. The group has achieved numerous milestones, including being the first K-pop act to receive a Grammy nomination in 2020 and addressing the United Nations General Assembly three times. Their music, which often explores themes of mental health and social issues, has garnered billions of views on YouTube and broken multiple Guinness World Records.
Despite this setback, Suga's contributions to the music industry remain significant. Under the alias Agust D, he has released solo projects that have resonated with fans worldwide. BTS's impact extends beyond music, with the group credited for boosting South Korea's economy through tourism and merchandise sales.
The legal process allows those notified of summary judgments to request a regular trial within seven days to contest the decision. As of the time of reporting, Suga's label had not responded to requests for comment on whether they plan to appeal the court's decision.
This incident serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny faced by K-pop stars and the potential consequences of their actions on their careers and public image. It also highlights the ongoing discussion about the pressures and expectations placed on idols in the entertainment industry.
"While we're disappointed by Suga's actions, it's important to remember that idols are human too. We hope he learns from this mistake and continues to grow as an artist and individual."
As BTS continues its hiatus and members fulfill their individual obligations, fans and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see how this incident affects the group's future dynamics and public perception.