Police have revealed BTS’ SUGA is facing a criminal investigation for operating an electric scooter drunk.
In a statement to Dispatch on August 9, the Yongsan Police Station stated the electric scooter driven by SUGA is not considered a “personality mobility device” but a vehicle. A personal mobility device is defined as a device with a maximum speed of 25 km per hour (15.53 mph) and a weight under 30 kg (66 lbs), but the device SUGA was driving is classified as a motorized bicycle or electric scooter, which is considered the same as operating a car under South Korean law.
The Yongsan Police stated, “SUGA was operating an electric scooter. After investigating the device, we found it’s not included in the list of personal mobility devices. Operating a personal mobility device will result in administrative measures. SUGA’s scooter was not a personal mobility device. Therefore, he can be subject to criminal punishment for driving under the influence.”
The police investigation has yet to start, but under the Road Traffic Act, anyone who drives with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher could face a fine of 5 million won ($3,664 USD) to 10 million won ($7,329 USD) or a prison sentence of 1 to 2 years. The Military Manpower Association has already confirmed SUGA, who’s currently serving his mandatory military service, will not receive additional punishment from the military.
As previously reported, BIGHIT MUSIC received criticism after news of SUGA’s DUI charges made news headlines for allegedly trying to “scale down” the gravity of the issue by emphasizing that the vehicle used by the idol was an “electric scooter” and other reasons, which the label apologized for. There still remained confusion over whether SUGA was driving an electric scooter or a kickboard as well as questions about what kind of punishment he will face.