BTS's Suga Apologises for Drink-Driving Scooter Incident
K-pop superstar Suga, a member of the globally renowned boy band BTS, has issued a public apology after being fined for driving an electric scooter while under the influence of alcohol.
In a social media post, the 31-year-old rapper expressed his "deep remorse" for the incident, stating he was "heavy-hearted and apologetic" to his fans for bringing them "disappointing news".
Suga explained that he had "breached the road traffic laws" by driving home in Seoul, believing it was a short distance. He admitted to "forgetting" that using an electric scooter while intoxicated is prohibited.
He recounted that he fell while attempting to park the scooter in front of his home, leading to a police officer witnessing the incident. Suga was subsequently given a breathalyser test, which revealed his blood alcohol level to be 0.08%. He stated that his driving licence was revoked and a fine was imposed.
"Although no one was harmed and no property was damaged, this is entirely my responsibility with no excuses," Suga wrote. "I apologise to those who have been hurt by my carelessness and wrongful behaviour, and I will ensure that this does not happen again in the future."
The incident comes at a time when BTS is currently on hiatus, as its members fulfil their mandatory military service. Suga began his service last year and is currently working as a social service agent after being deemed unfit for regular combat duty, reportedly due to shoulder surgery in 2020.
Following the incident, BTS's record label, Bighit, also issued an apology, stating: "We express our sincere apology for the incident involving BTS member Suga and his electric kickboard accident." They acknowledged the "disappointment caused by the artist's inappropriate behaviour" and assured that "as a social service agent during his military service, he is prepared to accept any disciplinary actions from his place of work for causing a social disturbance." Bighit concluded their statement by vowing to "take greater care to ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the future."
