BigHit Music has officially apologized for their initial incorrect statements regarding BTS member Suga‘s recent drunk driving incident. The company released a follow-up statement on August 8, 2024, addressing the inaccuracies and misunderstandings surrounding the situation.

1) Regarding the use of the word “kickboard”

On August 7, 2024, Suga was involved in an incident where he was found drunk driving an electric scooter. Initially, both BigHit Music and Suga described the vehicle as an electric kickboard. This discrepancy between the vehicle types led to public criticism, as the repercussions for drunk driving differ significantly between an electric scooter and an electric kickboard.

BigHit Music clarified in their new statement:

“Hello. This is BigHit Music. This is an additional statement about BTS’s member Suga. Firstly, we apologize sincerely yet again for disappointing many with the unsavory incident. We were unable to carefully review various aspects of it and hurriedly put out a statement, causing confusion.

Regarding the use of the word ‘kickboard,’ the company used the term ‘electric kickboard’ as we judged the vehicle in use as a kickboard that had a seat attached to it. In the process of checking, we realized that the categorization for the vehicle differed according to its abilities and specifications, as well as the fact that the spectrum of repercussions for any accident would differ as such. We had no intentions of downplaying the incident because of what has been said to a certain extent. However, conclusively, we apologize for having hurriedly put out a statement without carefully examining things. From now on, we plan on diligently taking responsibility according to the vehicle type as determined by the investigative officers.”

— BigHit Music

2) Regarding the fine and the revoking of his license

The company also addressed their mistake regarding the severity of the situation. On August 6, Suga underwent a breathalyzer test and was subsequently sent home. BigHit Music initially misinterpreted this as the conclusion of the legal process, which led to incorrect statements about fines and license revocation. The police later indicated that investigations were still ongoing, contrary to the company’s earlier communication.

BigHit Music further stated:

“The company also admitted to having been unable to recognize the severity of the incident. Initially, as the company and Suga’s statements indicated that he had been fined and had his license revoked, netizens accused the company of attempting to indicate that the incident had been concluded, given that the police had stated to the media that investigations were still underway.

On August 6, after Suga underwent the breathalyzer test, he went home immediately. The company and the artist were unable to register the fact that there are remaining steps to the investigative process, and we wrongly believed that the case had been concluded. As we realize the severity of the case, we are sorry for having wrongly communicated information due to mistakes in internal communication.

More so, the artist and company bow their heads in apology to everyone for being unable to act in an exemplary manner and for causing an unsavory incident during his time of service in the military. We are sincerely sorry to the fans who have been disappointed as well.

From now on, we will diligently cooperate in additional investigations from the police, and we will accept the results of the investigations.”

— BigHit Music

For more updates on this matter, read the article on how BigHit Music was criticized for allegedly downplaying the incident.

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