Seoul, South Korea – Suga, the globally renowned K-pop star and member of the supergroup BTS, has publicly apologized following an incident on Tuesday night that led to his arrest and fines for drunk driving on an electric scooter in Seoul. The 31-year-old artist, whose real name is Min Yoon-gi, was fined and had his scooter license revoked after police caught him riding under the influence.
According to a statement from his label, Big Hit Music, which is part of K-pop firm HYBE, Suga was riding the scooter for approximately 500 meters before he stumbled while attempting to park near his residence. The police, who were nearby, conducted a breathalyzer test, which Suga failed. Fortunately, the incident did not result in any injuries or property damage.
 |
| Fake Image Courtesy of AllKPop |
Following the incident, Suga took to Weverse, a fan platform owned by HYBE, to express his remorse. “I violated the road traffic law because I was comfortable with the idea of being close to home and was not aware that you could not use an electric scooter when you are drunk,” he wrote. He further added, “I apologize to everyone who has been hurt by my careless and wrong behavior.”
South Korean law requires individuals to have a license to operate an electric scooter, and severe penalties are imposed for those caught driving under the influence. The police accompanied Suga back to his home after the incident.
This incident is another reminder of the pressures K-pop idols face in maintaining their pristine public image. Since BTS announced a break from group activities in June 2022, the members have pursued solo projects and begun their mandatory military service. Suga, in particular, has been fulfilling his military obligation through social service work, an alternative allowed for some able-bodied men in South Korea.
BTS, known for their massive global fanbase and influence, has generally maintained a squeaky-clean reputation. However, this event highlights the occasional challenges idols face in balancing their personal lives with public expectations. Suga's swift apology demonstrates his acknowledgment of the gravity of his actions and his commitment to making amends.
Comments
Post a Comment