BTS star Suga was fined $11,500 for drunk driving

Suga, a member of global K-pop sensation BTS, was fined 15 million won ($11,500; £8,600) after he was caught driving an electric scooter under the influence. The singer, whose real name is Min Yoon-gi, was charged in August following an incident near his Seoul residence in which police found him drunk after falling off his scooter.

According to local media reports, Suga's blood alcohol level was 0.227%, well above South Korea's legal limit of 0.08%. A district court in Seoul imposed the fine and revocation of his driver's license last Friday.

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Apology and public reaction

Suga publicly apologized after the incident in August and expressed regret for his actions. He explained that he thought the distance home was short enough to drive, forgetting that driving a scooter while under the influence of alcohol was also illegal. “Although no one was harmed and no property was damaged, this is solely my responsibility and there are no excuses,” Suga said in his statement. He promised to ensure such behavior would not be repeated.

Despite his apology, Suga was criticized by fans and the public alike. Some even called for him to leave BTS as K-pop idols are expected to maintain a pristine image. However, many of Suga's loyal supporters defended him and stressed that no harm was caused by the incident.

Current military service

Suga, 31, is currently completing his military service as a social worker because he was deemed unsuitable for regular combat duty. The star's legal and personal challenges come at a time when BTS members are completing their individual military deployments and the group plans to reunite after completing their service.

This incident is a reminder of the pressure on K-pop idols to maintain their public image and the intense scrutiny they face for personal missteps.