BTS Star SUGA Fined $11,000 for Drunk Driving Incident

• BTS member SUGA was fined $11,000.
• He was riding an electric scooter while being drunk.
• SUGA had a blood alcohol level of 0.227 percent.

According to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency, K-pop sensation and BTS member SUGA was fined $11,000 for riding an electric scooter while being drunk. The incident happened on August 6 when police discovered the 31-year-old, whose legal name is Min Yoon-gi, lying next to his e-scooter with a blood alcohol level significantly over the legal limit.

Last Friday, the Seoul Western District Court imposed a fine of 15 million won ($11,465), in accordance with the prosecution's suggestion. According to Yonhap, which cited legal sources, SUGA had a blood alcohol level of 0.227 percent, which is nearly three times higher than the legal limit in South Korea. The Road Traffic Act of the nation stipulates that driving a vehicle with a blood alcohol level exceeding 0.2 percent carries a maximum five-year prison sentence and a fine of up to 20 million won.

SUGA's driving license has already been revoked. He is a social service agent currently serving mandatory military duty. The singer will be punished under civilian traffic law, according to Seoul's Military Manpower Administration, because the incident happened after working hours.

In a handwritten apology, SUGA expressed deep regret, writing, "I have left a large blemish on the precious memories I made together with my members and our fans, and I have tarnished BTS's name." He acknowledged making a "grave mistake" and added that he is "painfully sorry."

Since 2022, BTS has taken a break while its seven members complete the mandatory military service requirement in South Korea.

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