BTS’ Suga faces possible prison sentence for drunk scooter riding

BTS’s Suga faces prison sentence for his drunken scooter incident in Seoul last week.

Suga, best known as a member of the K-pop supergroup BTS, faces a prison sentence or a hefty fine for falling off an e-scooter while under the influence of alcohol in Seoul last week.

The breathalyzer test conducted on the day of the incident showed that his blood alcohol level was well above the legal limit when he was found lying on the ground after an apparent accident in Seoul’s Yongsan district on August 6.

BTS is currently taking a music hiatus while the members complete their mandatory military service. The group’s label, Big Hit Music, initially claimed that Suga was riding an electric kickboard, which can reach top speeds of around 15 mph, at the time of his accident. However, it was later revealed that he had been riding an e-scooter with a top speed of just under 20 mph.

In an apology posted on Twitter, Suga claimed he was fined and his driver’s license was revoked. Under South Korean law, drivers with a blood alcohol level of 0.2% or more can be fined around $7,500 or sentenced to two to five years in prison.

The penalties for driving an e-scooter while under the influence of alcohol are the same as for similar driving offenses. Suga’s blood alcohol level was around 0.227%.

Suga reportedly told police that he had only drunk one glass of beer before the accident, but his blood alcohol level was described as “impossibly high” for a single glass of beer.

BTS is expected to reunite next year after all seven members complete their military service. Suga is not expected to be forced to leave the group due to the incident, but Korean cultural critics say the band will “face difficulty restoring public trust.” Suga’s case is still being investigated by Korean police.