BTS member Suga (real name Min Yoon-gi), known by his stage name Agust D, has been fined KRW 15 million ($11,500) by a Seoul court for driving an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol. The incident occurred on August 6 when Suga fell while riding near his home, prompting police to take him in for questioning.
Suga took to the Weverse fan platform, managed by his agency Hybe Corp., to publicly acknowledge the incident and apologize for disappointing his fans. Reports indicate that his blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.227%, significantly above the legal limit of 0.08%, which could have resulted in the cancellation of his driving license.
Following the incident, Suga received a “summary indictment,” a legal procedure in South Korea used for minor offenses that allows for expedited fines without a full trial. The Seoul Western District Court imposed the fine on Friday, matching the amount requested by state prosecutors. Suga has the option to appeal by requesting a full trial within seven days of the ruling.
Due to Suga’s celebrity status, the DUI case has drawn extensive media attention, raising concerns about the Korean police’s handling of high-profile cases, including the use of press lines for public shaming. This scrutiny has also sparked discussions about the unrealistic expectations placed on Korean celebrities in their private lives.
In January, acclaimed director Bong Joon-ho spoke out against media and police pressure after the tragic suicide of actor Lee Sun-kyun, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding. Lee’s contributions to cinema will be honored at the upcoming Busan International Film Festival.
