BTS's SUGA heavily fined for drunk driving electric scooter
What's the story
Min Yoongi, better known as SUGA from BTS, has reportedly been slapped with a fine of KRW 15M (around $11,194) for riding an electric scooter while under the influence of alcohol.
The fine was handed down by Judge Lee Yoo-seop of the Seoul Western District Court on September 27 through a summary order, which allows penalties to be issued without a formal trial.
The Seoul Western District Prosecutor's Office had previously indicted SUGA on September 10 with a similar fine.
Arrest details
SUGA's arrest and subsequent investigation details
SUGA was nabbed in August near his home in Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul, around 11:15pm for allegedly riding an electric scooter while drunk.
After a breathalyzer test showed his blood alcohol concentration at 0.227%—way above South Korea's license revocation level of 0.08%—he was taken to a nearby police station for questioning.
On August 23, he returned to the Yongsan Police Station for further investigation and publicly apologized before entering the precinct.
Fan reaction
SUGA's blood alcohol level could have landed him in prison
Despite having a blood alcohol level that could've landed him in prison for up to five years or cost him a hefty fine between KRW 10M and KRW 20M, SUGA was only slapped with a fine.
This decision wraps up nearly two months of intense media spotlight following his DUI incident in August. During this time, his devoted fans—known as ARMYs—have kept the positivity flowing with trending hashtags like "Suga Stays," "We Love You Yoongi," and "Suchwita on Top."
Career resilience
SUGA's career thrived despite DUI scandal
In the midst of the controversy, SUGA has been making significant strides in his career.
On September 4, The Last from his debut mixtape, Agust D, topped the World Digital Song Sales Chart for the first time since its release eight years ago.
Another track, Polar Night also found its place on the Official Singles Sales and Official Singles Downloads charts.
These achievements demonstrate his fan's resilience and continued support amid personal challenges.