JTBC clarifies its mistake in using incorrect CCTV footage, addressing the confusion it caused.

JTBC’s Apology for Misreporting BTS Suga’s DUI Case

JTBC has issued an official apology for misreporting in their coverage of BTS member Suga‘s alleged DUI incident. On August 16, 2024, the network addressed the mistake during their nightly news broadcast, acknowledging that they had used incorrect CCTV footage in their original report.

In the initial report aired on August 7, 2024, JTBC presented CCTV footage purportedly showing Suga riding an electric scooter on a main road in Hannam-dong. This footage was linked to the claim that Suga had been involved in a drunk driving incident. The footage, however, was later found to be inaccurate.

The Incorrect CCTV Footage and Its Aftermath

The controversy began when reports from various Korean news outlets revealed that Suga was found collapsed on the ground in Hannam-dong. A patrolling police officer, who noticed the smell of alcohol, assisted him and brought him to the nearest police station for a sobriety test. The test results indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.227%.

JTBC’s report on the matter included a CCTV video that showed a man riding an electric scooter down the main road. This footage was presented as evidence of Suga’s alleged DUI. However, subsequent police investigations revealed that the individual in the video was not Suga and that Suga had actually been driving on the sidewalk, not the main road.

Below is the exact statement issued by JTBC during their apology broadcast:

“Our newsroom reported about BTS member Suga’s DUI on August 7. In the first portion of our report, we showed a CCTV footage of an electric scooter passing by the main road. It was later confirmed through police investigations that the male in the video was not Suga. We are sorry for causing confusion.”

Public Reaction to JTBC’s Misreporting

The initial report, which featured the incorrect footage, sparked outrage among netizens and fans of BTS, who were disappointed by the network’s failure to fact-check the content before broadcasting. The lack of an immediate apology only fueled the anger, leading to a demand for accountability from JTBC.

The network’s apology on August 16, while appreciated, has raised further discussions about the responsibilities of media outlets in ensuring accurate reporting, especially when it involves public figures like BTS members.

For more updates on BTS Suga’s DUI case, tune in to Vviptimes.