BTS Star Suga to Face Police Questioning over Drink-Driving Allegations
K-pop superstar Suga, a member of the globally renowned boy band BTS, is set to be interviewed by police regarding allegations of driving an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol.
The 31-year-old rapper will be questioned at Yongsan Police Station in Seoul on Sunday, according to police. The incident allegedly occurred on 6 August in the Hannam neighbourhood.
The investigation began after a police officer discovered Suga lying on the ground at 11:27 pm. The officer noted the smell of alcohol on his breath and took him to a nearby station, where his blood alcohol content was measured at 0.227 percent. This figure significantly exceeds the 0.08 percent limit for license revocation in South Korea.
The focus of the police investigation will likely be on whether Suga was aware that his actions violated the Road Traffic Act, which prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol, regardless of the vehicle type.
Suga addressed the incident the day after it occurred, acknowledging that he had consumed alcohol before riding the electric scooter but claiming he was unaware that he was breaking the law.
The Road Traffic Act carries a maximum prison sentence of five years and a fine of up to 20 million won (£12,500) for individuals found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.2 percent or higher. This legislation applies to drivers of both cars and electric scooters.
Since September 2023, Suga has been fulfilling his mandatory military service in the form of public service work, an alternative option for those deemed unsuitable for active duty.
The outcome of the police investigation remains to be seen, and any potential repercussions for Suga's career are yet to be determined.
