Suga of the K-pop band BTS issued a formal apology on Wednesday after being caught violating traffic rules when he rode an electric scooter while drunk in South Korea.
A lengthy apology was posted to the Hybe-owned online fan community platform Weverse. In a paragraph, Suga explained he was drinking while having dinner and returned home on an electric scooter.
“I easily thought it was a short distance and was unaware of the fact that you cannot ride an electric scooter when under the influence of alcohol, and therefore I violated the Road Traffic Act,” Suga wrote.
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Because a driver’s license is required to ride an electric scooter in South Korea, Suga was also made to pay a fine. Suga explained that no one was hurt, and no property was damaged in the process, but he will potentially face further repercussions. BigHit Music, the record label and agency that manages BTS, pointed out in a separate statement that Suga had traveled drunk for around 500 meters (1,640 feet) on the scooter — a punishable offense as he is currently serving mandatory military service in South Korea.
“I parked in front of the main gates to my home, and I fell over by myself in that process,” he said. “A police was nearby, and through the results of a breathalyzer test, my license was revoked and I paid a fine.”
Fans online remain polarized with some being quick to forgive, while others argue Suga is a well-known and respected “idol” who should have been more cognizant of his country’s regulations and laws.
“This is inexcusably something I have to take responsibility for, I bow my head in apology to everyone,” concluded Suga. “I apologize to those who were hurt by my irresponsible and wrong actions, and I will be even more careful with my actions to prevent such matters from occurring in the future.”
