BTS’s Suga Faces Inevitable Criminal Charges Over Electric Scooter Drunk-driving?

On August 8, police confirmed that the electric scooter Suga was driving while intoxicated on August 6 in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, could exceed speeds of 25 km/h. This scooter is not classified as a PM (personal mobility device), meaning that Suga is subject to the same penalties as for driving a car under the influence.

Suga was reportedly riding the scooter near his home at around 11:30 PM (KST) when he fell and was discovered by the police. His blood alcohol concentration was measured at a level warranting license revocation (0.08% or higher).

According to the Road Traffic Act, electric scooters fall under the category of motorized bicycles, which are subject to the same penalties as driving a car while intoxicated. For a blood alcohol concentration between 0.03% and 0.2%, penalties can include imprisonment for 1 to 5 years or fines ranging from 5 to 20 million KRW (approx 3,600 to 14,500 USD) .

However, PMs like electric kickboards are an exception and only incur administrative penalties and a fine of 100,000 KRW for DUI (drinking under influence). PMs are defined as vehicles with a top speed under 25 km/h and weighing less than 30 kg.

Initially, Suga’s agency explained that he had used an electric kickboard, but it was later revealed that he had been riding a scooter, leading to potential criminal charges beyond just license revocation or suspension.

Suga admitted to not yet paying the fine and acknowledged that he was unaware that riding an electric kickboard under the influence was prohibited. However, police clarified that no fine had been issued and confirmed that the scooter could exceed 25 km/h.

With Suga’s explanation revealed to be false, his agency BigHit Music issued a second statement, saying, “We did not carefully consider all the circumstances and had no intention of downplaying the incident.” The agency acknowledged that the product used was incorrectly classified as an electric kickboard and promised to comply with any legal responsibilities once the investigation concludes.

Source: Naver