BTS’ Suga apologizes after drinking and riding an electric scooter home

BTS’ Suga has issued an apology after his license was revoked for operating a scooter while under the influence.

The 31-year-old shared details about the drunken incident, which involved a run-in with the police, in an apology posted on his X account Aug. 6.

In his statement, which has been translated from Korean, the singer said, “Hi, this is Suga. Due to a disappointing event, I come to you all with a heavy and sorry heart,” he said.

“Last night after having had a few drinks at dinner, I rode an electric scooter home. By rationalizing the short distance home and not realizing while in an inebriated state of mind that riding an electric scooter after drinking is not allowed, I ended up violating road traffic laws.”

He continued, “I rode an electric scooter home last night, after having drinks with dinner. I thought that it was a close distance, and I did not realize that you could not operate an electric scooter after drinking. As such, I violated traffic rules.”

Suga recalled parking the scooter outside of his home and then falling over. He said the police were nearby and gave him a breathalyzer test.

“My license was revoked and I've been fined,” he said. “There wasn’t anyone who got hurt or properties that were damaged in the midst of this incident, but this is an inexcusable action of mine so I bow my head and apologize to everyone.”

He concluded, “I apologize to those who may have been hurt because of my carelessness and wrongdoing, and from now moving forward, I will be more careful with my actions so nothing like this will happen.”

BigHit Music, BTS’ label, reacted to Suga’s public intoxication in a statement sent to TODAY.com.

"We express our sincere apology for the incident involving BTS member Suga and his electric kickboard accident," the statement said.

The label confirmed Suga’s recollection of the incident on July 6. BigHit Music said the singer was under the influence and traveled “approximately 500 meters” before “he fell down while parking the ride.”

“On the night of Tuesday, July 6, Suga was wearing a helmet and returning home on an electric kickboard while under the influence of alcohol. After traveling approximately 500 meters, he fell down while parking the ride,” the statement continued. “The police in the vicinity conducted a sobriety test, and as a result, he received a fine and had his license revoked. No injuries or property damage occurred from the incident, and he was escorted home by the police.”

“We apologize for the disappointment caused by the artist’s inappropriate behavior,” BigHit Music said. “As a social service agent during his military service, he is prepared to accept any disciplinary actions from his place of work for causing a social disturbance. We will take greater care to ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the future.”

Suga has been serving in the South Korean military since Sept. 22, 2023, BigHit Music reported at the time. He and the other members of BTS are currently on a hiatus as they complete their military services. The group is expected to reunite in 2025.

After enlisting, the Associated Press reported that Suga wrote on fan platform Weverse, “I’ll faithfully serve and come back … Please stay healthy and let’s meet all again in 2025!”

Jin, the eldest member of the K-pop group who enlisted first, was discharged on June 11. In addition to Suga, J-Hope, Jung Kook, V, RM and Jimin are currently completing their required service, as well.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com