'There is no excuse': BTS member Suga apologizes for drunk-driving incident

Social Affairs

'There is no excuse': BTS member Suga apologizes for drunk-driving incident

Published: 07 Aug. 2024, 15:15 Updated: 07 Aug. 2024, 15:38

BTS member Suga [YONHAP]

BTS’s Suga made an apology on Weverse on Wednesday, following news reports about being investigated by police for driving an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol.

“I apologize to everyone who was hurt by my careless and wrong actions,” said Suga. “I will make sure something like this never happens again.”

Suga said he had drinks over dinner and decided to use the scooter to return home, as the restaurant was quite close to his place, which was a decision he took "too lightly."

The singer said he fell to the ground while parking the scooter in front of his apartment, which was when a nearby police officer approached him. This resulted in Suga taking a sobriety test.

Suga had his driver's license revoked for violating the Road Traffic Act and received a fine of under 200,000 won ($145.36).

"Nobody was hurt and property wasn't damaged. But, I know there is no excuse, and this is all my fault," he added.

Suga’s agency BigHit Music also issued an apology letter, stating that Suga was wearing a helmet and drove about 500 meters (1,640 feet) on an electric scooter while returning home after drinking.

"We also apologize on behalf of the artist for creating a stir despite him serving the country as a social service agent," the agency added in the statement. "He will face the appropriate consequences for his actions from his workplace as a social service agent."

Although Suga is serving his mandatory military service, since his status is a social service agent, he will not be punished under military law, unlike other general military conscripts who could be detained in a military prison for the same type of wrongdoing.

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG [kim.minyoung5@joongang.co.kr]