After a public complaint was filed requesting an investigation into SUGA’s alleged neglect of duty during his alternative service, additional complaints surfaced, including reports that SUGA exhibited a lackadaisical attitude towards his social service responsibilities.
According to an exclusive August 13 report by media outlet Sports Kyunghang, the allegations of SUGA’s lack of diligence during his social service duties first emerged on a social service-related app called ‘Gongik Ingan’ (Public Service Human). A fellow social service worker, using the nickname ‘Flat Foot Election Committee,’ shared an account of attending basic service training with SUGA in November 2023. According to this account, despite being appointed as the group leader, SUGA did not participate properly in the training sessions.
The social service worker stated, “SUGA did not attend any of the class sessions during the 4-night, 5-day program. The instructor seemed to think this was excessive and even issued a warning, but SUGA just nodded off without understanding what was happening, checked his phone, and then went back to sleep.” The worker added that, due to SUGA’s behavior as a group leader, their group had the lowest participation rate, comparing his attitude to that of “an average bully trying to act cool at the start of the school term.”
SUGA’s basic service training was part of the 35th class of 2023, which also included another K-pop idol trainee Dawn. The training took place at the Social Service Training Center in Boeun County, Chungcheongbuk-do. Reports on the social service community site related to this class mentioned that “SUGA was the group leader” and “unlike Dawn, SUGA didn’t give out autographs.” According to a representative from the Social Service Training Center, the 35th class of 2023 received their basic training from November 20 to 24, 2023.
Group leaders in this context are typically chosen through a volunteer process, and if the other social service workers in the group agree, they are appointed to the position. The role is similar to that of a squad leader in active military service. If the group leader fulfills their duties, they are awarded a commendation and, in some cases, given special leave. However, it has not been confirmed whether SUGA received such a commendation for his role as group leader.
According to Sports Kyunghang, allegations of SUGA’s neglect of duty began spreading online last year, beyond the aforementioned app and attracted criticism at the time. After complaints were filed requesting an investigation into SUGA’s alleged lack of diligence in performing his duties, coupled with the recent DUI incident, additional complaints were also submitted.
One complainant, identified as ‘A,’ stated, “SUGA’s DUI is the result of an ‘unprofessional work attitude,’ and the Military Manpower Administration should investigate the actual status of his service by reviewing CCTV footage from the service institution.”
They further urged, “I strongly call for a thorough investigation into both the ‘management practices of the service institution where SUGA is serving’ and ‘SUGA’s compliance with service regulations.’ If any violations are found, I demand strict action, including a report to law enforcement agencies.”
This latest complaint has been assigned to the Seoul Regional Military Manpower Administration, where a related investigation is expected to proceed. The earlier complaint regarding SUGA’s alleged neglect of duty was also assigned to the same office, and it has been confirmed that an investigation is already underway.
On the evening of August 6, at approximately 11:27 PM, SUGA was found after falling off an electric scooter in the Hannam-dong area of Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Nearby police officers assisted him, and a breathalyzer test revealed that his blood alcohol concentration was at a heavily intoxicated level of 0.227%.
Korean netizens commented:
“It’s understandable to be sleepy, but a DUI is different. Everything is going to be exposed one by one.”
“But to think it’s escalating to this level, haha. Isn’t this how it usually goes for most people?”
“SUGA probably isn’t the only one who sleeps during training.”
“How bad was it that the instructor had to give a warning? This isn’t the first complaint, it seems.”
“I don’t think other members had reviews like this. It really makes you think…”
“Look at the defenses… Let’s have a thorough investigation.”
“Isn’t it basic to not do something you shouldn’t? If you’re going to do it, at least don’t get caught. Haha, everyone is proudly slacking off.”
“This wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t been drinking.”
“But if the instructor had to give a warning, shouldn’t that be a sign to be more careful? He has no respect for the person explaining things in front of him… Really disappointing.”
“He unlocked hard mode in life with that DUI…”
“The other members are serving on active duty and even in difficult situations, I hear good things about them. But somehow, he stands out as different.”
“Wow… While active-duty soldiers are struggling, he’s sleeping? After writing those lyrics, he’s making the other members look bad, yet he himself went into public service.”
“If the instructor had to point it out, isn’t that a problem? This isn’t some lifelong learning course you signed up for, it’s mandatory military training… He shouldn’t have drunk and driven in the first place. Why let all the petty things in his life come out and embarrass his fans too?”
