If concentration level is 0.2% or higher, sentencing is increased
Imprisonment for 2 to 5 years or a fine of 10 to 20 million KRW
It has been reported that Suga (31, real name Min Yoon-gi) of the group BTS, who was booked on charges of drunk driving, was in a state of severe intoxication with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.227%.
On the 9th, Dong-A Ilbo reported that the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul booked Suga on the 6th for drunk driving under the Road Traffic Act, and the breathalyzer test showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.227%. On the evening of the 6th, around 11:27 PM, Suga was found alone after falling while riding an electric scooter in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, in a drunken state. Nearby police officers who came to help Suga noticed the smell of alcohol and conducted a breathalyzer test.
The penalties for drunk driving an electric scooter vary depending on the blood alcohol concentration level. If the blood alcohol concentration is between 0.08% and less than 0.2%, the offender may face imprisonment from one to two years or a fine ranging from 5 million to 10 million KRW. However, if the blood alcohol concentration is 0.2% or higher, the penalty can be imprisonment from two to five years or a fine between 10 million and 20 million KRW.
BTS's agency, Big Hit Music, released a statement on the 7th, the day after the incident, saying, "Suga was using an electric kickboard while wearing a helmet on his way home in a drunken state and fell while parking." They added, "As a result of the breathalyzer test conducted by the nearby police, he received a fine and had his license revoked." They continued, "We apologize for disappointing many people due to the artist's inappropriate behavior," and "Regarding the actions that caused social disturbance while serving as a social service worker, appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken by his workplace." On the same day, Suga apologized on the fan community Weverse, saying, "I come to you with a very heavy and apologetic heart due to a disappointing incident." He explained, "After drinking at a dinner last night, I rode an electric kickboard home," and "I failed to recognize that using an electric kickboard while intoxicated is prohibited under the Road Traffic Act, mistakenly thinking it was a short distance."
Contrary to Suga and his agency stating that the vehicle was an "electric kickboard," the police described the device he was operating as an "electric scooter," raising suspicions of downplaying the incident. The electric scooter Suga was riding is known to be a model equipped with a seat for sitting and can reach speeds of up to 30 km/h. Under the Automobile Management Act, both electric kickboards and electric scooters are classified as "motorized bicycles" and are considered "vehicles" under the Road Traffic Act. However, if a personal mobility device (such as an electric kickboard) is driven under the influence, only fines and license cancellations are imposed without imprisonment or heavier penalties.
Subsequently, the agency issued an additional statement clarifying, "There was absolutely no intention to downplay the matter," and "We sincerely apologize for speaking hastily without thoroughly reviewing the situation. We will faithfully fulfill our responsibilities according to the classification decided by the investigative authorities regarding the product involved." They added, "Our company judged the product used by the artist to be a kickboard with a seat attached and thus described it as an 'electric kickboard.' Through further verification, we have come to understand that classification may vary depending on the product's performance and specifications, which can also affect the scope of responsibility for the accident."
Suga enlisted in March for basic military training at the Nonsan Training Center in Chungnam and is currently serving as a social service worker. His discharge date is scheduled for June 2025. Since social service workers are considered civilians outside of working hours and are not subject to the Military Service Act during those times, it is expected that there will be no disciplinary action from the Military Manpower Administration or his service agency regarding this drunk driving charge.
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