The ongoing controversy surrounding BTS member Suga has taken a new turn after recent revelations regarding the alleged incident where he was seen driving a seated electric scooter while intoxicated. The latest developments in this case have led to questions about whether public sentiment will change as more accurate information surfaces.

New CCTV Footage Challenges Previous Allegations

On August 7, 2024, the Korean media outlet JTBC released footage that allegedly showed Suga driving a seated electric scooter while under the influence of alcohol. The video quickly became a topic of heated discussion among netizens, who accused the K-Pop idol of reckless behavior. However, just a week later, on August 14, 2024, DongA Ilbo published new footage that appears to contradict earlier reports.

The newly obtained footage, which was taken around midnight on August 6, 2024, shows Suga riding his scooter near the Hannam Nine-One residential complex. The video provides a clearer view of the incident compared to the initial CCTV footage. According to DongA Ilbo, the footage shows Suga falling off his scooter while attempting a left turn in front of the gates of Hannam Nine-One. At that moment, three policemen arrived at the scene and discovered that Suga was intoxicated.

“The policemen who were trying to help Suga realized he was drunk and attempted to test his alcohol level. At the time he was tested, Suga’s blood alcohol level was 0.227%, which is high enough to cancel his license.”

The original video that sparked accusations against Suga is now being questioned, as DongA Ilbo revealed that the person in that footage was driving in the opposite direction and was not Suga. Additionally, claims that Suga had fallen after running into a divider were proven false.

Misreporting and Public Reaction

The media outlet responsible for releasing the initial footage has since made the clip private, raising further doubts about the accuracy of the original report. Earlier accusations that Suga was tested for alcohol on the street rather than in front of his home were also refuted by the new evidence.

According to police reports, Suga had been drinking with friends in Hannam-dong around 9 PM on August 6, 2024, before heading to his studio, where he continued to drink. He later drove his electric scooter to his residence at Nine One Hannam.

“Suga drove a scooter that can reach speeds of 30km/h. The seat cannot be detached from the scooter. The maximum power of the scooter’s motor is 1.2kW and, according to the news outlet, is considered a moped or a motorized bicycle.”

Suga’s Response and Ongoing Investigation

On August 7, 2024, Suga addressed the incident on Weverse, admitting his mistake and apologizing for violating traffic laws.

“I violated traffic laws because I thought my destination was near and because I didn’t know that I couldn’t drive an electric kickboard after drinking. I fell while parking the kickboard in front of my house gate and after a policeman nearby tested my alcohol level, my license was suspended and I received a penalty.” — Suga

The Korean Police are continuing their investigation into Suga for driving under the influence. They are coordinating with Big Hit Music as the situation unfolds. Despite the controversy, Suga is currently fulfilling his mandatory military service as a social worker and is expected to be discharged in June 2025.

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