Suga, from K-pop sensation BTS, fined for drunk driving. What he was driving causes confusion

Seoul – Seoul (AP) — Sugamember of K-pop sensation BTS, apologized on Wednesday for driving an electric vehicle while intoxicated.

His record label, Big Hit Music, said Min Yoon-gi, known as Suga, was driving an “electric hoverboard” on Tuesday night when he crashed while parking. A police officer spotted him and administered a breathalyzer test, which Suga failed, leading to the revocation of his license and a fine, the record label added.

An electric kickboard refers to a type of vehicle without a seat. However, police told local media that Suga’s vehicle had a seat and looked like an electric scooter in accordance with traffic laws. The type of vehicle affects the penalty for drunk driving.

The Yongsan Police Station in Seoul reportedly booked him for violating the Road Traffic Law. It is currently unclear whether the police have begun the investigation process. Multiple calls to the station spokesperson went unanswered.

The K-pop star published an apology on Weverse, an online fan platform, saying he was driving after consuming alcohol at dinner

“I come to you with a heavy heart and deep apologies for disappointing you with this unfortunate incident,” Suga wrote on Weverse. “I complacently thought it was a short distance, not realizing that I was not allowed to ride the electric scooter while drunk, violating the traffic law.”

Suga has done your mandatory army service as a social service agent since September 2023. These agents typically work regular work hours and may return home after hours.

Big Hit Music, his record label, also apologized, saying: “He will accept any disciplinary action from the place of duty in relation to actions that caused social controversy as a social service worker.”

According to a Human Resources Administration spokesperson, the incident will not have an impact on his current agent status as it occurred outside of official working hours.

In South Korea, all able-bodied men must serve in the army, navy or air force for 18 to 21 months under a conscription system established due to threats from rival North Korea.

Individuals with certain physical or mental conditions may instead serve for 21 months in non-military institutions, such as foster care centers, community service centers, and post offices.