BTS Star Suga Fined $11,500 For Riding An E-Scooter While Intoxicated, Petition Calls For Him To Be Fired From Group

K-pop star Suga has been fined after he was caught operating an electric scooter while under the influence of alcohol in early August.

The BTS member was fined $11,500 by a judge at the Seoul Western District Court on Friday. 

The DUI incident occurred when Suga fell off his scooter outside his front gate. Police had witnessed the fall and decided to give him a breathalyzer test. Suga’s blood alcohol level was 0.227%, which led officers to conclude that the singer had been impaired while riding the scooter. 

Shortly after the incident, Suga issued an apology. 

“I apologize to everyone hurt by my careless and wrong actions, and I will be more careful in my actions in the future to prevent such incidents from occurring again,” the BTS member said. 

Later on, he released a second apology to clarify what had happened. 

“On the night of Aug. 6, I made the mistake of riding an electric scooter on the sidewalk after drinking,” Suga recalled. “I also apologize for the confusion caused by my first apology, which I hastily uploaded on the 7th. I should have thought more deeply and been more careful, but I failed.

The K-pop star added, “I know that it is difficult to heal the wounds and disappointments the fans have received with any words, so I regret it deeply and reflect on it with a heavy heart every day… I will gladly accept any punishment that isgiven in the future, as well as criticism and reprimands.”

Since his arrest, fans have been quick to criticize him – especially in Korea. Many have signed a global petition asking him to leave BTS. 

On X, many users have been trying to explain the significance of the matter to non-Korean fans. 

“I don’t think it is right for him to do this when he is an idol representing South Korea. I’m disappointed,” one wrote

While some have lost support for the Korean singer, others have shown their support, with one X user noting, “There are no perfect people in this world.”

BTS are currently on a hiatus while members complete their mandatory military service.