The public is disappointed.

BTS‘s Suga was discovered operating an electric scooter while under the influence of alcohol on August 6, 2024. A subsequent breathalyzer test confirmed his alcohol level at 0.08%, leading to the revocation of his license and imposition of a fine. In addition to the company’s statement, Suga issued a personal apology on Weverse.

Despite the gravity of the situation in South Korea, where such incidents are taken seriously due to safety concerns, many international fans have minimized its significance. Globally, riding an electric scooter, regardless of intoxication, appears to be viewed with less severity. The South Korean police handling the matter later confirmed that the personal mobility device that Suga had been operating was not just a kickboard with a lone panel but also had a seat. According to the police’s statement, “it would be a more accurate description to call it an electronic scooter.”

Although the police had called it “closer to an electric scooter,” both Suga’s statement as well as BigHit Music‘s statement call it a “kickboard.” Netizens have begun to call out the company for purposely trying to “lie” and “downplay” the incident.

• Aren’t they embarrassed to tell a lie that will get found out easily?
• Ugh.
• Wow…
• So they lied?
• That’s not a kickboard.
• It’s uncommon for a 31-year-old to be confused about a scooter and a kickboard. He probably wrote it like that on purpose, right?
• Oops, how embarrassing. Did you commit a DUI? I also ride such a vehicle around, but if I drink, I just drag it alongside myself.

• Isn’t he the one who always talks about how he damaged his shoulder by riding a motorcycle?
• In his apology and the company’s statement, they both use “kickboard.” LOL, they really tried so hard to downplay it.
• It’s so infuriating how they keep trying to mediaplay it as a kickboard… So people would misunderstand and think that he used one of those public rental kickboards.
• Gasp.
• Ugh, just take a taxi.
• Knowing he rode one of these makes his excuse even more unfathomable LOL.
• The more he acts up, the worse it looks for him.

A kickboard in South Korea looks like this…

…while electric scooters or kickboards with seats are closer to the below. They may also contain an internal engine, depending on model.

It was also previously adviced that if Suga’s device contains an internal engine, he will be dealt with the same proceedings and punishment that applies to car traffic violations. If found that his device can be categorized as a kickboard, he will get off with a simple fine and license revocation. You can read more about it below.