BTS member Suga has found himself at the centre of a major controversy following a DUI incident on August 6, 2024. What initially seemed like a minor lapse in judgment has escalated into a full-blown scandal, with significant repercussions for both Suga and his agency, Big Hit Music.
Initial Missteps and Escalation
The incident was first reported as a minor mistake involving an electric kickboard. However, it soon came to light that Suga was actually operating a more powerful electric scooter, which carries far more severe penalties. This revelation has intensified the public backlash.
Korean media recently reported that the arresting officer did not recognize Suga’s celebrity status. It was revealed that, while parking his scooter the singer lost his balance and fell. A police officer patrolling nearby arrived to assist and noticed the smell of alcohol on Suga’s breath. The officer then escorted Suga to a nearby police station, where a breathalyzer test revealed that his blood alcohol level was over the legal limit of 0.08%.
At the police station, Suga claimed he had only consumed one beer and complained of knee pain. However, his breathalyzer results indicated a significantly higher alcohol level, suggesting multiple drinks were consumed in a short period.
Big Hit Music’s Handling and Public Reaction
Big Hit Music has faced intense criticism for its initial handling of the incident. The agency initially downplayed the severity by misidentifying the vehicle involved as an electric kickboard. After acknowledging their mistake, they hastily apologized for the misinformation.
Moreover, Big Hit prematurely announced that the issue was resolved with a fine and a revoked license, not recognizing that the investigation was still ongoing. This premature statement has drawn further ire from fans and the public.
As the investigation continues, the full extent of the consequences for Suga and Big Hit Music remains uncertain.