BTS’ Suga apologizes for driving electric car while drunk

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – SugaKim Jong Un, a member of the popular Korean pop band BTS, apologized on Wednesday for driving an electric car while drunk.

Big Hit Music said Min Yoon-ji, better known as Suga, was driving an “electric board” Tuesday night when he fell while parking. The company added that a police officer spotted him and conducted a blood alcohol test, but Suga failed, resulting in his license being revoked and a fine.

The term “electric kickboard” refers to a type of vehicle that does not have a seat. However, police told local media that Suga’s vehicle does have a seat and resembles an electric scooter under the traffic law. The type of vehicle affects the penalty for drunk driving.

Seoul’s Yongsan Police Station reportedly booked him on charges of violating traffic laws. It is currently unclear whether police have launched an investigation. Multiple calls to a police spokesperson went unanswered.

K-pop star Issued He apologized on Weverse, an online fan platform, saying he was driving after drinking alcohol during dinner.

“I come to you with a very heavy heart and deep apologies for letting you down with this unfortunate incident,” Suga wrote on Weverse. “I thought the distance was short, and I didn’t realize that I wasn’t allowed to ride the electric scooter while drunk, which is against the traffic law.”

Suga was doing His compulsory military service Working as a Social Work Agent since September 2023. These agents typically work regular business hours and are allowed to go home after business hours.

His label, Big Hit Music, also apologized, saying, “He will accept any disciplinary action from his workplace regarding actions that caused social controversy as a social service worker.”

The incident will not affect his current status as a client because it occurred outside of regular business hours, a spokesman for the Military Manpower Administration said.

In South Korea, all able-bodied men must serve in the army, navy or air force for 18 to 21 months under a conscription system created because of threats from rival North Korea.

Individuals with certain physical or mental conditions may instead serve 21 months in non-military institutions such as social welfare centers, community service centers, and post offices.