BTS member Suga has been fined 15 million won ($11,500) for driving an electric scooter while intoxicated, according to Reuters. A judge at the Seoul Western District Court imposed the fine on Friday, which was confirmed by a court official today.
Reuters notes that defendants notified of summary judgments like this one can apply for a regular trial within seven days in order to challenge the decision.
The DUI incident took place in early August when Suga fell off his scooter outside the gate in front of his home. Police spotted his fall and, after giving him a breathalyzer test, determined that he had been riding the scooter while intoxicated. Suga’s blood alcohol level was 0.227%, which exceeds the legal 0.08% threshold.
Initially, Suga offered an explanation and an apology, writing, “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.”
He later released a second apology statement to clarify what had happened, saying, “On the night of Aug. 6, I made the mistake of riding an electric scooter on the sidewalk after drinking. I also apologize for the confusion caused by my first apology that I hastily uploaded on the 7th. I should have thought more deeply and been more careful, but I failed.”
He accepted full responsibility for the incident and extended his apology to his BTS bandmates and team, as well as fans “who have always given me so much love despite my shortcoming.”
He 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 is given in the future, as well as criticism and reprimands.”
The singer has dealt with a lot criticism since his arrest. There has been significant backlash from fans in Korea, with many signing a global petition asking him to leave BTS. “The Global ARMY Alliance supports all seven members of BTS,” they wrote. The Global ARMY Union represents 127 groups of BTS fans around South Korea and elsewhere overseas and makes clear that they support all seven members of BTS.
Suga has been completing his mandatory military service as a social service agent in South Korea since last year. BTS are currently on hold while the members complete their service, although several have been releasing solo material, including RM, who collaborated with Megan Thee Stallion earlier this month.