Suga of K-pop sensation BTS fined for driving while drunk. 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 label, Big Hit Music, said Min Yoon-gi, known as Suga, was riding an “electric board” on Tuesday night when he fell while parking it. A police officer saw him and administered a breathalyzer test, which Suga failed, resulting in his license being revoked and a fine, the label added.

An electric scooter refers to a type of vehicle without a seat. However, police told local media that Suga’s vehicle had a seat and resembled an electric scooter under traffic law. The type of vehicle influences the penalty for driving while intoxicated.

The Yongsan Police Station in Seoul reportedly arrested him for violating the Road Traffic Law. It is currently unclear whether the police have started the investigation process. Several calls to the station’s spokesperson went unanswered.

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

“I come to you with a very heavy heart and my deepest 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 drive the electric scooter while intoxicated, violating traffic law.”

Suga has been doing his mandatory army service as a social service agent since September 2023. Such agents typically work regular business hours and may return home after working hours.

Big Hit Music, his label, also apologized and stated: “He will accept any disciplinary action from the place of duty regarding actions that caused social controversy as a social services worker.”

According to the Military Personnel Administration spokesperson, the incident will not affect his current status as an agent since 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.

Instead, people with certain physical or mental conditions can serve for 21 months in non-military institutions, such as welfare centers, community service centers, and post offices.