Suga, a member of the renowned K-pop group BTS, issued an apology on Wednesday after being caught driving an electric vehicle while intoxicated.
According to his label, Big Hit Music, Min Yoon-gi, better known as Suga, was riding an “electric kickboard” on Tuesday night when he fell while attempting to park it. A police officer witnessed the incident and conducted a breathalyzer test, which Suga failed. As a result, his license was revoked, and he was fined, the label reported.
The term “electric kickboard” generally refers to a vehicle without a seat. However, police informed local media that the vehicle Suga was riding had a seat and was classified as an electric scooter under traffic laws. The specific type of vehicle determines the severity of penalties for driving under the influence.
Yongsan Police Station in Seoul has reportedly booked Suga for violating the Road Traffic Act. It remains unclear whether an investigation has officially commenced, as multiple attempts to reach the station’s spokesperson went unanswered.
Suga took to Weverse, an online platform for fans, to express his regret, explaining that he had been driving after consuming alcohol at dinner.
“I deeply apologize for disappointing you with this unfortunate incident,” Suga wrote on Weverse. “I mistakenly believed it was a short distance and did not realize I was breaking the road traffic act by riding the electric scooter while intoxicated.”
Suga has been fulfilling his mandatory military service as a social service agent since September 2023. These agents typically work standard hours and are permitted to return home after their shifts.
Big Hit Music also issued an apology, stating, “He will accept any disciplinary actions from his place of duty for causing social controversy as a social service worker.”
A spokesperson from the Military Manpower Administration confirmed that the incident will not affect Suga’s current status as a social service agent, as it occurred outside of official working hours.
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In South Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve in the military for 18 to 21 months due to ongoing threats from North Korea. Those with certain physical or mental conditions may instead serve for 21 months in non-military roles at institutions like welfare centers, community service centers, and post offices.
