On August 19 KST, a representative of the Seoul Metropolitan Police appeared at a press conference regarding BTS member SUGA’s DUI investigation.
The rep stated, “We are currently scheduling the date of the questioning. The police will investigate the details of the incident as well as whether or not there was an attempt to downscale the degree of the crime. The questioning will take place this week without further delay, and it will not occur during evening hours or during the weekend.”
Regarding the likelihood of SUGA appearing before the press ahead of his investigation, the representative commented, “SUGA’s suspect questioning will occur just like any other suspect questioning. We cannot force any suspects to stand in front of the press.”
Meanwhile, a new debate has risen over the model and specifications of the electric scooter operated by SUGA at the time of his DUI incident.
According to new claims on August 19, the miniature, foldable electric scooter operated by SUGA, width 110 cm, height 108 cm, weight 25 kg, maximum speed 30 km, and equipped with a nondetachable seat, requires official registration with the district bureau through the use of a legal license plate. Furthermore, existing motor-vehicle laws demand compulsory auto liability coverage of all vehicle users.
Based on CCTV footage of SUGA at the time of his booking, observers claimed that “It is unclear whether or not a license plate is attached to the scooter.”
The license plate issue in this ongoing case indicates one of two things. One, if SUGA’s electric scooter does have a license plate, it could mean that Big Hit Music “lied” by originally stating that the vehicle was an “electric kickboard”. Although the agency claimed that it was “unclear” about the exact model of the vehicle at the time, some believe that it is unconvincing to mistake a scooter with a registered license plate as a “kickboard”. Two, if SUGA’s scooter does not have a license plate, then the idol would also be responsible for operating an unregistered vehicle, facing additional fines. Similarly, if the police find that the idol’s vehicle is not insured, further fines could apply.
