BTS’ SUGA is embroiled in a serious controversy following his DUI incident involving an electric scooter, with the situation escalating as anti-fans intensify their smear campaign. The case has garnered widespread attention, including the alarming trend of sending condolence wreaths to HYBE’s headquarters demanding his removal from the group.
SUGA’s DUI Incident: How It Started
On August 7, 2024, media reports revealed that BTS’ SUGA is under investigation by the Yongsan Police Station for riding an electric scooter while intoxicated. The incident occurred on the night of August 6 when SUGA was found alone on the streets after drinking. Police officers on patrol assisted him and escorted him to the nearest police station. Shortly after, SUGA issued an apology to his fans on Weverse, explaining that he had ridden a kickboard and fallen near his home.
🐱 hello this is suga. i come with a heavy and sorry heart to you guys <through weverse> due to a disappointing event. last night after drinking at dinner, i went home by riding an electric scooter. I violated the road traffic laws due to me thinking easily that it’s close… pic.twitter.com/1wXsHTx4N4
However, the police later clarified that he had been riding an electric scooter with a seat, which, under South Korean law, is treated like a car and requires a valid license. This distinction led to further complications as both BIGHIT MUSIC and SUGA initially downplayed the seriousness of the incident.
Around midnight on August 8, 2024, BIGHIT MUSIC released a new statement, apologizing for the oversight in their initial communication and acknowledging that they had underestimated the gravity of the situation.
“Our choice of terminology was not intended to downplay the incident. We sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding,” the company stated.
Anti-Fans’ Dangerous Trend: Condolence Wreaths and the #SugaChallenge
The situation took a disturbing turn when some anti-fans launched a campaign against SUGA, including sending flower wreaths to HYBE’s headquarters on August 13, 2024. Traditionally used to express condolences, these wreaths were accompanied by messages like “Min Yoongi, leave the team” and “You were the one who let go of our hands,” addressing SUGA by his real name. This act has been widely criticized by BTS fans, who clarified that these wreaths were not sent by the ARMY but by a small group of anti-fans.
Moreover, a dangerous trend called the #SugaChallenge has emerged, where participants are encouraged to drink and drive in an apparent show of solidarity with SUGA. Although the authenticity of this challenge is debated, it has raised significant concerns due to its promotion of reckless behavior.
Suga Challenge is dumbest thing I’ve ever seen!!!#SugaChallenge
She was so proud for starting Suga challenge..I hope ARMYs you won't be shy dragging hell out of her..she got private after getting doxxed !! I know you guys gonna live upto our toxic fandom name 😙 https://t.co/7S4Jnrr0mMpic.twitter.com/JSfDKb0W2n
On August 11, Herald Economy reported that SUGA would soon be summoned by the police for his ongoing DUI case. Yongsan Police Station in Seoul is currently scheduling his appearance and will investigate the details of the incident and the amount of alcohol he consumed.
According to the latest report, the police handling SUGA’s DUI case have not yet set a date for his appearance or issued a public summons. A Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency official stated at a press conference that they are using “reverse tracing” to verify SUGA’s movements from the scene of his fall. The police plan to cross-check his statements with the route he took.
Additionally, when asked about a private summons, the official noted that SUGA had not requested one, suggesting that he may have to appear publicly for the investigation.
SUGA’s blood alcohol content difficult to confirm
According to reports, the police have denied disclosing the exact blood alcohol level from SUGA’s DUI incident on the night of August 6, refuting earlier claims that it was around 0.227%.
On August 12, Xports News covered a press conference by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, where they addressed the controversy surrounding SUGA’s blood alcohol content. The police stated that the specific figure could not be confirmed but noted that it was at a level sufficient to result in a license revocation.
SUGA’s poor military service behavior rumors
On August 13, South Korean media outlet Sports Kyung Hyang reported that complaints had been made against SUGA in connection with his DUI case. The complaints suggest that SUGA has not taken his role as a social worker seriously.
An eyewitness has come forward with claims about SUGA’s attitude at work. They allege that SUGA missed a mandatory 4-day, 5-night class and was reprimanded by the instructor. According to the eyewitness, SUGA responded by nodding but continued using his phone and sleeping, initially behaving like a classroom bully. The report also mentioned that an official complaint has been filed, asking authorities to investigate SUGA’s conduct as a social worker.
The complaint reportedly suggests that SUGA’s DUI incident reflects his poor work attitude and urges military officials to investigate his conduct as a social worker using CCTV footage. It calls for a thorough examination of his performance under the Military Service Act. Additionally, the complaint requests that any violations discovered be reported to the authorities and addressed strictly.
I've had enough of the Korean news of yoongi. "NETIZENS" as always have just started a hate train and will say anything and everything to degrade the artist. News of investigating his military behaviour??! Like wtf Wreaths sent to the company asking him to leave the group like..
The korean general public are with Yoongi those comments u see from knetz are literally korean kpop haters,plus that baseless sht abt military is just from a non-existent eyewitness there's no such thing just like all sht reporters been writing when investigating isn't even done
On August 12, Korean media outlet Sports Kyunghyang reported that a civil complaint had been filed against BTS’ SUGA with the Seoul Regional Military Manpower Administration. The petitioner, identified as A, criticized BIGHIT MUSIC and SUGA for their minimal and rushed explanations regarding the DUI case. The complaint alleges that this response reflects a sense of entitlement and suggests that the matter was not taken seriously initially.
The petitioner expressed concerns that SUGA’s failure to realize he couldn’t operate an electric scooter while intoxicated raises questions about whether he has engaged in similar behavior before. Additionally, there are suspicions that SUGA might have been afforded special treatment during his service duties. The complaint calls for a thorough investigation to address these concerns and ensure all questions are answered.
Support from Fans Amid Controversy
Despite the backlash, SUGA has received overwhelming support from his fans. Following the incident, ARMYs took to social media, sharing lyrics from SUGA’s song “Snooze” as a message of hope. The track, featuring Ryuichi Sakamoto and The Rose’s Woosung, includes the line “Everything will be okay,” which has become a rallying cry for fans during this challenging time.
ARMYs are not divided, we support and love the seven members of BTS, wreaths were sent by anti-fans. ARMYs will continue to support the seven members even if you don't like it. BTS IS AND WILL REMAIN 7!
Not sure why it even matters because we have more important things to consider 😭 but apparently there's been people arguing so just fyi the wreaths I believe were sent by k armys. This account specifically.
As the investigation continues, BTS and their management are focused on moving forward while addressing the concerns surrounding the incident. SUGA has reportedly reflected on his actions and is committed to making amends, though the impact of this controversy on his future remains to be seen.
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