BTS rapper Suga, real name Min Yoon-gi, appeared for police questioning on 23 August in connection with a DUI case.
Suga was booked for driving an electric scooter while under the influence earlier in August, following an incident on the night of 6 August.
According to South Korean media outlet Dispatch Korea, the 31-year-old artist was found by police after falling near Nine One Hannam, a luxury complex in Seoul’s Hannam-dong district. Tests revealed a blood alcohol level of 0.227%, well above the legal limit. Subsequently, Min Yoon-gi was taken to the nearest police station.
Ahead of his appearance, BTS ARMY, the fanbase of the globally popular group, released a statement on X, formerly Twitter, expressing support for Suga. The statement, shared with hashtags #ARMYShieldsBTS and #ARMYStandsWithSuga, highlighted their pride in Suga's cooperation with the investigation and rejected the need for photographs, deeming the written apology he issued the day after the incident sufficient.
On 23 August, after completing his public service duties, Suga arrived at the Yongsan police station around 7:45 pm for questioning. Before entering the precinct, he paused briefly to address the gathered K-media. Suga expressed deep remorse, stating he was "very heavy-hearted and apologetic" for disappointing his fans. He added, "I never intended to cause harm or distress, and I deeply regret my actions that led to this incident."
"I take full responsibility for my mistake and will cooperate fully with the authorities to ensure that justice is served." - Suga
Prior to Suga's appearance, South Korean channel JTBC’s Newsroom issued an apology to Suga after mistakenly reporting that he was involved in a drink-driving incident based on incorrect CCTV footage. The apology was made during the Newsroom broadcast on 16 August, where the anchor acknowledged the error and clarified the situation.
BTS remains on hiatus as its members fulfil their mandatory military service, with Suga's legal situation adding to the challenges faced by the group.
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