In Seoul, South Korea, Suga, a member of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS, issued an apology on Wednesday for driving an electric vehicle while intoxicated.
Big Hit Music, Suga’s label, revealed that Min Yoon-gi, widely known as Suga, was riding an “electric kickboard” on Tuesday night. He reportedly fell while attempting to park it, prompting a nearby police officer to administer a breathalyzer test. Suga failed the test, resulting in his license being revoked and a subsequent fine.
The term “electric kickboard” generally refers to a type of vehicle that lacks a seat. However, according to police reports shared with local media, Suga’s vehicle appeared to have a seat and more closely resembled an electric scooter, which bears different penalties under traffic law when involved in drunk driving incidents.
Yongsan Police Station in Seoul has reportedly booked Suga for violating the Road Traffic Act. As of now, it remains unclear whether the police have initiated a formal investigation. Multiple attempts to reach the police station’s spokesperson have gone unanswered.
Following the incident, Suga took to Weverse, an online fan platform, to express his remorse. He explained that he had been driving after consuming alcohol at dinner. “I come to you with a very heavy heart and deep apologies for disappointing you with this regrettable incident,” Suga wrote. “I thought complacently that it was a short distance, not realizing I was not allowed to ride the electric scooter while intoxicated, breaking the road traffic act.”
Suga has been fulfilling his mandatory military service as a social service agent since September 2023. Such agents typically adhere to standard work hours and return home afterward.
Big Hit Music also issued an apology, stating: “He will accept any disciplinary measures from the place of duty regarding actions that caused social controversy as a social service worker.”
A spokesperson from the Military Manpower Administration confirmed that the incident would not affect Suga’s current status as a social service agent since it occurred outside of official working hours.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve in the army, navy, or air force for 18 to 21 months under a conscription system established to counter threats from rival North Korea. Those with certain physical or mental conditions are permitted to serve instead for 21 months at non-military institutions like welfare centers, community service centers, and post offices.
