In the wake of BTS Suga’s recent DUI case, the situation surrounding the globally renowned group has taken a tense turn. Protest trucks demanding Suga’s withdrawal from BTS have started to roam the streets of Seoul, adding fuel to an already divided fandom. The trucks, which began their rounds as of August 16, 2024 (KST), have sparked intense debate and concern among fans and the public alike.

Protest Trucks Appear Outside BTS Members’ Residences

The protest trucks, organized by a group of fans displeased with Suga’s actions, have been spotted at various locations, including NINE ONE HANNAM, a prestigious apartment complex in Seoul. This location is notably significant as it is where Suga was involved in a drunk driving incident, falling off his electric scooter. The trucks idled in front of the complex, where several BTS members, including Suga, reside.

These trucks are following two separate routes from HYBE’s headquarters, with the primary goal of spreading awareness about the fans’ demand for Suga’s departure from the group. The sight of these trucks in such close proximity to the members’ homes has caused an uproar within the fandom, further deepening the divide between those who believe Suga should step down and those who continue to support him.

Fans and Netizens React: A Debate Over Morality and Inconvenience

The appearance of these trucks has led to a heated debate online. Across various social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and online communities such as theqoo and Nate Pann, fans and netizens are expressing contrasting opinions.

Across several posts shared to online communities like theqoo and Nate Pann, as well as social media platforms like X (former Twitter), the discussion remains intense over whether the trucks are “deserved” or “inconvenient” or even “too hateful.”

The trucks have arrived at the main gate of Nine One Hanam, where Suga was found after a drunk driving on the sidewalk and falling off his electric scooter. After this, the trucks will depart on two separate routes to tour around Seoul, spreading the word about fans urging his departure. We appreciate your interest and welcome pictures from sightings.

— @idoitsueit/X

Some users supported the trucks’ presence:

• “Not blocking the road. Not in front of his unit. It’s idling for a short while, getting some pictures taken, and then it’ll move on.”
• “Suga should be removed from the group so the other members can continue. Otherwise, he’ll label the group all the time.”
• “Must be super embarrassing to all the rich neighbors.”
• “You all think it’s normal behavior to send trucks to the members’ residence?! You’re all insane. I doubt the other six members want to keep promoting as a group after seeing those trucks.”
• [Deleted Comment]
• “Look at the lane. It’s a merging lane that cuts off anyway.”
• [Irrelevant Comment]
• “Which anti-fan would spend the cash to send two trucks, though? LMAO. I hope the drunk driver would leave the group. I hope he sees the trucks each morning.”
• “This must be so frustrating for the other residents there… This is a bit excessive.”

Others, however, voiced concerns over the inconvenience these trucks might cause to other residents of Nine One Hannam:

• “Just leave the group.”
• “Great.”
• “Well deserved.”
• “Think about it, though. Suga was never the most talented member, but thanks to being a part of the group, he got to live in one of the most expensive apartment complexes like that. I mean, it makes sense he doesn’t want to leave. Haha. Still, I hope he would withdraw.”
• “Inconvenience the residents? LMAO. The fans defending him are obviously slow.”
• “What inconvenience are the residents experiencing, though? The trucks are no different from hanging up placards. They’ll drive by.”
• “Such a shame to the whole neighborhood… Haha. Don’t two other members also live there? I know they’re in the military right now, though.”
• “Actually, this probably works a lot better than sending the trucks to the company.”
• “Leave the group.”
• “If I were a resident at Nine One Hannam, I’d be more disturbed by the fact that Suga was drunk driving on the sidewalk in front of my complex with a BAC level of 0.227% and less by some trucks driving around.”
• “How do you call yourselves real fans?”

Amid the controversy, some fans expressed their worry about the situation escalating further:

• “Seeing how irritated some of the fans are getting, I think the trucks are a huge success. I hope the fans defending Suga will leave the fandom with him.”
• “It is for the safety of the other residents that his drunk driving case should be handled with zero leniency. How would you like it if a drunk driver was roaming around in front of your residence? He should be ashamed. It’d be a blessing if he learned from this experience at all.”
• “Look how the trucks have pissed off some of you, LOL.”
• “I hope he withdraws ASAP.”
• “What an inconvenience, though? So inconsiderate to the people who live there.”
• “It’s one of the stops where the trucks pull over for a second. And then they drive off. So it’s not really inconveniencing anyone, haha. Don’t worry.”
• “It’s clear that the trucks are pushing the buttons of fans defending the criminal. So I think in front of the BTS residence works a lot better than in front of HYBE.”
• “Wowza… People are this serious over some idol group? This whole thing is bizarre.”
• “I bet this is f*cking embarrassing for him.”
• “Yeah, whatever. Just do whatever you all want to do. What can we do about it now?”

Future Actions and Divided Opinions

Despite the mixed reactions, the organizers of the protest trucks, under the handle @idoitsueit/X, have announced that they have secured funding for a second round of protest trucks through a fan fundraiser. This development suggests that the controversy surrounding BTS Suga’s DUI case is far from over and may continue to create tension within the BTS fandom and the public.

The debate over the protest trucks highlights the deep divide within the fandom and raises questions about the impact of such actions on the members of BTS and the people living in the affected areas. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the group and their management will address the concerns raised by both supporters and critics.

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