A Seoul court has fined BTS member Suga for driving an electric scooter while intoxicated last Aug. 6.
In a decision on Sept. 27, the Seoul Western District Court issued a summary order against Suga, imposing a fine of 15 million won (about $11,466).
With the summary order, Suga’s case will not go to trial.
BTS' Suga at the Seoul Yongsan Police Station on Aug. 23 (Screenshot from Yonhap News TV video)
CCTV footage showing BTS' Suga riding and falling from an electric scooter on Aug. 6 (Screenshots from TV Chosun video)
Summary order is a procedure in which the prosecution requests the court to impose a fine, penalty, or confiscation without a formal trial in cases where the charges are relatively light.
The amount of fine imposed by the court was the same amount that was requested by the prosecution when it summarily indicted Suga.
Under the Criminal Procedure Act of South Korea, Suga has the option to request for a formal trial.
“A prosecutor or the criminal defendant may apply for formal trial within seven days from the day on which he/she has received notification of a summary order,” the law stated.
Under Article 148-2 of Korea’s Road Traffic Act, “A person whose blood alcohol content is not less than 0.2 percent shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not less than two years but not more than five years or by a fine not less than 10 million won but not exceeding 20 million won.”
Suga’s blood alcohol level at the time was 0.227 percent, Korean media report.
CCTV footage taken on Aug. 6 showed Suga riding an electric scooter on a sidewalk and falling down as he turned left to enter the main gate of Nine One Hannam luxury apartment complex in Hannam, Yongsan in Seoul. Three police officers who were patrolling the area appeared.
Last Aug. 23, the Seoul Yongsan Police Station summoned Suga for questioning about the incident and sent his case to the prosecution on Aug. 30.
On Aug. 25, Suga issued a handwritten apology on the Weverse app, saying, “I would like to apologize to you again with a shameful heart.”
“I deeply apologize for disappointing and hurting my fans and everyone who loves me with my wrongdoings. I forgot my sense of responsibility to repay the love I've received and made a big mistake,” he said.
He said, “On the night of August 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 didn't.”
“It's all my fault. My carelessness is making it difficult for everyone who cares about me. I will try not to make the wrongdoings again and live my life repenting,” he said.
According to him, “I will gladly accept any punishment that is given in the future, as well as criticism and reprimands. Lastly, I once again bow my head in sincerity and apologize for causing social controversy and disappointing many people.”
Suga is currently fulfilling his military service as a social service agent (social service personnel). He enlisted on Sept. 22 last year and will be discharged on June 21, 2025.