SEOUL, Sept 30 (Reuters) – K-pop star Suga, a member of the globally renowned boy band BTS, has been fined 15 million won ($11,500) by a court for driving an electric scooter while under the influence of alcohol.
A judge from the Seoul Western District Court imposed the fine in a summary judgment last week after the case was referred to the prosecution, a court official reported on Monday.
In August, Suga, who is also a songwriter and rapper, issued a public apology for the incident, describing his actions as “careless and wrong behavior.” Following the incident, police revoked his license for operating the e-scooter while intoxicated. According to his label, Big Hit Music, which is part of K-pop company HYBE (352820.KS), Suga tripped while parking the scooter at night and subsequently failed a police-administered breathalyzer test.
Since BTS announced a temporary break from group activities in June 2022, its members have pursued solo endeavors and begun fulfilling their mandatory military service obligations. Suga, 31, has been engaged in social service work as part of his military duty.
The incident is one of several where K-pop stars have faced public scrutiny for behavior that contrasts with their typically clean-cut image. Some BTS fans, upset by Suga’s actions, sent flower wreaths to HYBE headquarters with messages urging him to leave the group.
Those receiving summary judgments can request a regular trial within seven days to contest the decision. Suga’s label has not yet responded to requests for comment.
