K-pop star Min Yoon-gi of BTS, famously known by his stage name Suga, made a public apology this week after he got caught driving an electric vehicle while intoxicated. According to reports, the K-pop crooner had driven an electric kickboard late Tuesday night after having drinks at a dinner. However, upon parking the vehicle, he lost his balance and fell off, catching the attention of a police officer who was passing nearby. The officer conducted a sobriety test and declared Suga to be drunk; therefore, his license was suspended, and he was fined.
It was later discovered that the kind of electric vehicle Suga had been driving was an electric scooter, and not, as earlier reported, a true kickboard without seating under local traffic laws. The former classification makes a difference in the penalties regarding drunk driving offenses. The case was reported to Yongsan Police Station in Seoul, and Suga is reportedly facing charges for violating road traffic acts.
Suga is currently doing his mandatory military duty in South Korea by serving as an administrative worker. Following the accident, he apologized on social media, just like his label, Big Hit Music. He stated that he was at fault and that he should have known riding an electric scooter after drinking alcohol was illegal. Suga and his company are ready to take whatever penalties may be needed regarding this matter. Officials say that this is a personal matter, outside of work hours, and will not influence his status for service.
All men in South Korea are mandated to spend at least 18 months serving in the country’s military, navy, or air force to counter North Korean aggression. Exceptions rarely come given conditionally where a 21-month placement for social service can be allowed. This is the latest in a series of unfortunate reminders of just how strict South Korea’s traffic laws are concerning intoxicated vehicle operations.
