- By Srishti Pandey
- Sat, 24 Aug 2024 07:09 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
BTS Suga has completed his police questioning regarding his recent drunk driving (DUI) incident. He appeared at the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul on August 23, 2024, at 7:45 PM KST, following his public service military duties for the day. Suga’s first police investigation concluded around 10:54 PM KST.
Addressing reporters after the questioning, Suga expressed deep regret, saying, "I am truly sorry. I deeply apologize for the pain and disappointment caused by my wrongful actions. I am very regretful and will ensure that such an incident does not happen again. I apologize to all those who have supported me.
Suga did not address specific questions about his police interrogation, his failure to report to authorities immediately, the reasons behind his drinking, or his understanding of the legal implications of riding an electric scooter while intoxicated. The police have indicated that they will continue to thoroughly investigate the details of the case and various suspicions.
Earlier on August 23, BTS Suga offered a sincere apology to the media as he arrived for the police investigation. He expressed deep regret for his actions and promised to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
"I am very sorry. I am truly reflecting on having hugely disappointed many fans and many people. I will diligently undergo the investigations. Once again, I am sorry," Suga remarked before entering the precinct. This appearance follows a series of developments in the case. On August 6, 2024, Suga was discovered by police after falling from an electric scooter near Nine One Hannam, a luxury complex in Hannam-dong. He was found with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.227%, well above South Korea's legal limit.
Initial reports described the vehicle as an electric kickboard, but further investigation clarified that it was actually an electric scooter with a seat. This distinction is significant, as it affects the legal consequences under South Korean traffic laws.
The author of “Pachinko”, Lee Min Jin posted a photo of Yoongi with a caption "💜" on both her Instagram and Twitter.
— AGUST D CHARTS (@DataAgustD) August 24, 2024
Min Yoongi you are so loved. 🥹❤️🩹
WE LOVE YOU YOONGI #WhatAReliefWeAreTogether#YoongiNeverWalksAlone #BesideSUGA #ItsGonnaBeAlright#SUGA #AgustD #슈가 pic.twitter.com/KsEnL1NIBS
BIGHIT MUSIC, Suga’s management company, initially announced that his driver's license had been revoked and a fine imposed. However, this information was later corrected to reflect that the investigation was ongoing, with no fines or license revocations yet finalized. The case has generated mixed reactions, with some condemning Suga's behaviour and others questioning the fairness of the investigation. The classification of the scooter as a motorized bicycle means the DUI penalties could be more severe than initially anticipated.
JTBC "apology" for defaming yoongi:
— Carolyne🌱⁷⁼¹ (@mhereonlyforbts) August 16, 2024
👤 “We reported on BTS member Suga’s recent incident. A CCTV footage was shown of a person riding an e-scooter. A police investigation confirmed that the man in the video was not BTS’ Suga. We apologize for the confusion.”
THIS IS NOT A REAL… pic.twitter.com/dv0Fkojj8T
Meanwhile, BTS ARMYs have expressed their strong support for Suga as he appeared before the police by trending parts of his song, SNOOZE, on X and hashtags like 'ARMYShieldsBTS' and 'WE LOVE YOU YOONGI' and others.
Banners supporting #Yoongi and @BTS_twt are around of HYBE 🇰🇷💜
— BTS Charts Daily (@btschartsdailyc) August 23, 2024
Hosted by @armyHQ_ph pic.twitter.com/ayR104AQId
WITH YOONGI UNTIL THE END
— BTS Updates, News & Charts ⁷ (@_BTSMoments_) August 23, 2024
WITH BTS UNTIL THE END pic.twitter.com/YQzy8JDvvw
As the investigation progresses, further details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the incident and its repercussions. Currently serving as a social service worker for his mandatory military duties, Suga is scheduled to complete his service in June 2025.