BTS member SUGA is currently embroiled in controversy following a DUI incident on August 6, which has not only caught the attention of the media but has also sparked intense debates among fans. The situation escalated when protest trucks appeared around HYBE headquarters, demanding SUGA’s removal from BTS. Now, speculation is mounting that these trucks were organized by a fan of the K-pop group NCT, leading to widespread discussions among BTS’ fanbase, ARMY.
The Incident and Initial Reactions
On August 16, protest trucks with slogans such as “7-1=6. ARMY will fill in the gap, so drunk driver SUGA OUT,” were seen near HYBE headquarters. These trucks, initially believed to be the work of disgruntled ARMY members, called for SUGA’s removal from BTS following his DUI incident. The DUI occurred on August 6, where SUGA was reportedly found with a blood alcohol level of 0.227%, significantly exceeding the legal limit.
The narrative took an unexpected turn on September 2 when the organizer of the protest trucks inadvertently exposed their email address through a Google spreadsheet. Fans quickly discovered that this email was linked to a Pinterest account featuring numerous photos of NCT’s Jaehyun. Additionally, the organizer’s social media history revealed participation in an NCT 127 event, fueling speculation that an NCT fan might be behind the protests.
Exposing 🚚 leader @/idoitsueit
Their e-mail address was given by them; Through the sheets document they shared on their own.
Despite the organizer’s claims of being an ARMY, many fans are skeptical. The timing of the protest, particularly around the birthdays of BTS members Jungkook and RM, raised suspicions among ARMY. One fan commented, “What ARMY plans to protest on a member’s birthday?”, highlighting the disbelief over the timing and motivation behind the protests.
That 👖 fandom was defaming 😺 &hyping all fake articles written by mhj minions,doing all sorts of chlenges,& harassing Yoongi, now it's payback time.I hope they all rot.
😒 NEVA PLAY IS COMING ,MIN YOONGI,CHANGE YOUR LAYOUT! NCTZEN APOLOGIZE TO ARMY"NCTZEN APOLOGIZE TO YOONGI pic.twitter.com/pnaSqe3tLh
The controversy has also raised questions about the financial resources behind the protest trucks. Fans have expressed concern over the significant amount of money seemingly dedicated to the campaign, questioning the motives of anyone who would invest heavily in such an effort to undermine SUGA.
In response to the protests, the majority of ARMYs have shown overwhelming support for SUGA. His digital presence has surged, with his music topping charts worldwide. Several industry figures, including EL CAPITXN, PSY, The Rose’s Woosung, and Pachinko Writer Lee Min Jin, have also voiced their empathy and support for SUGA during this time.
Celebrities who directly or indirectly shown their support for SUGA 💜
– El Capitxn – Lee Min Jin (author of Pachinko) – Park Sohee – Alicia Hannah-Kim – Miu Sakamoto – PSY – Lea Salonga – Epik High playing Spring Day at their concert – Woosung playing Snooze during The Rose… pic.twitter.com/rSACK8xyHS
The DUI incident quickly became a major news story, with widespread media coverage. However, JTBC Newsroom faced criticism and later apologized for their initial misreporting of the event. The Korean Communications Standards Commission is expected to address the issue further.
As the case progresses to the prosecutor’s office, the debate over the true origin of the protest trucks continues. The controversy has not only highlighted the ongoing tensions between different K-pop fandoms but also brought to light the complexities of fan culture and the influence of social media in shaping public narratives.
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