BTS's Suga recently caused a stir after being involved in a DUI or drunk driving case. According to Yongsan police, Suga was caught on August 6 while operating an electric scooter while under the influence of alcohol, which is a violation of the Road Traffic Act. He was found after falling off an electric scooter in the Hannam-dong area, and a breathalyzer test showed his blood alcohol level was quite high.
Meanwhile, police have revealed that Suga is facing a criminal investigation over the case. Quoting from Allkpop on Friday August 9, 2024, the Yongsan Police Station stated that the electric scooter ridden by Suga was not considered a personal mobility device, but a vehicle.
Personal mobility devices are defined as devices with a maximum speed of 25 km per hour (15.53 mph) and weighing under 30 kg (66 lbs), but the device Suga rode was classified as a motorized bicycle or electric scooter, which is considered the same as operating a car under South Korean law.
"Suga was operating an electric scooter. After investigating the device, we found that it was not included in the list of personal mobility devices," said a Yongsan police representative. They continued, "Operating a personal mobility device will result in administrative action. Suga's scooter is not a personal mobility device."
Therefore, according to the police, Suga could be subject to criminal penalties for drunk driving. A police investigation has not yet begun, but under the Road Traffic Act, anyone found driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher can be fined 5 million won ($3,664 USD) to 10 million won ($7,329 USD) or imprisoned for 1 to 2 years.
Quoting from KBIZoom on Friday August 9, 2024, Korean media Dong-A Ilbo reported that Suga's blood alcohol content was 0.227%, which further worsened the situation. Under current law, if caught riding an electric scooter with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% to less than 0.2%, drivers can face one to two years in prison or a fine ranging from 5 million to 10 million won.
If the level exceeds 0.2%, as in Suga's case, the penalty can increase to two to five years in prison or a fine ranging from 10 million to 20 million won. Meanwhile, even though Suga is currently serving his mandatory military service, the Military Manpower Association has confirmed that he will not receive additional punishment from the military.
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