BTS member SUGA has garnered widespread support amid his ongoing DUI investigation, with a notable show of solidarity from Min Jin Lee, the bestselling author of Pachinko. On Instagram, Min Jin Lee shared a picture of SUGA, accompanied by a purple heart emoji, symbolizing her support for the rapper during this challenging time. The color purple is closely associated with BTS and their fandom, known as ARMY.

Min Jin Lee’s Background and Connection to BTS

Min Jin Lee, a Korean American author based in Harlem, New York City, is renowned for her work on the Korean diaspora. Her critically acclaimed novel Pachinko, which was a finalist for the National Book Award and a runner-up for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, has been adapted into a K-drama on Apple TV+. The series stars Lee Min Ho, Kim Min Ha, and Youn Yuh Jung. Lee’s public support for SUGA underscores the strong bonds within the Korean community and the global reach of BTS.

SUGA’s Unwavering Support from Fans and Industry Friends

Amid the investigation, SUGA has seen an outpouring of support from fans and industry friends. The BTS ARMY has been particularly active, sharing reassurance banners and heartfelt messages, while also helping his solo songs rechart. The resurgence of SUGA’s music has been impressive, with his tracks under the alias Agust D experiencing a significant boost on digital platforms.

SUGA’s Digital Success: A Reflection of ARMY’s Dedication

As of August 24, 2024, SUGA has become the most consumed Asian artist on digital platforms. Following his first appearance for investigation on August 23, his track Polar Night reached #1 on the Worldwide iTunes Song chart for the first time since its release. This achievement marks a year of ARMY’s unwavering support.

The night of August 23 was particularly significant, as all tracks from SUGA’s D-DAY album re-entered the Worldwide iTunes charts. Songs like Snooze, Haegeum, and The Last made notable comebacks, with Agust D becoming the only artist to have five songs simultaneously charting at #1 on iTunes Country Charts worldwide.

A Historic Milestone for Agust D

On the morning of August 24, The Last, released in 2016, achieved #1 on U.S. iTunes for the first time, more than eight years after its original release. Currently, Agust D’s tracks hold the #1 spot on iTunes in 58 countries, with Polar Night leading in 40 of them.

With these accomplishments, SUGA joins fellow BTS members Jimin, Jungkook, and V as the only K-pop artists to reach #1 on U.S. iTunes in 2024. This milestone underscores the immense support and dedication from ARMYs during this period.

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