It has been confirmed that BTS member Suga, born Min Yoon-gi, had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeding 0.2% when he was caught operating an electric scooter under the influence.
According to a report by Dong-A Ilbo, the Seoul Yongsan Police Station revealed last Tuesday that Suga was investigated for drunk driving under South Korea’s Road Traffic Act, with his blood alcohol content (BAC) measured at 0.227%. Suga reportedly told investigators he had “one beer and then drove briefly.”
Under current South Korean law, penalties for drunk driving on an electric scooter depend on the BAC.
If the BAC is between 0.08% and 0.2%, the penalty can range from 1 to 2 years in prison or a fine of 5 to 10 million won (approximately $3,645 to $7,290). However, if the BAC is 0.2% or higher, penalties can increase to 2 to 5 years in prison or a fine of 10 to 20 million won (approximately $7,290 to $14,580).
The police have not yet revoked Suga’s license. Typically, if a driver’s BAC is 0.08% or higher, their license is revoked, and they are banned from obtaining a new one for one year.
Suga and his agency initially referred to the electric scooter he was riding as an electric kickboard in their statement. They highlighted that no injuries or property damage occurred, which led to public suspicion that they were trying to downplay the incident.
The scooter Suga was riding can reach up to 30 km/h (about 18.6 mph) and features a foldable model with a fixed seat, differing from typical electric kickboards.
Under current South Korean law, only personal mobility devices (PMs) with a top speed of 25 km/h (about 15.5 mph) or less are classified as electric kickboards. Suga’s model is classified as a motorized bicycle and is subject to the same penalties as regular vehicles.
In response, the agency clarified in a statement, “There was no intention to downplay the situation,” and explained that they had classified the scooter as a type of kickboard with a seat.
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