BTS member Suga has issued a heartfelt handwritten apology after being booked by South Korean police for driving an electric scooter while intoxicated.
Following the incident earlier this month, Suga has taken full responsibility for his actions.
On Aug. 25, Suga—real name Min Yoon-gi—addressed his fans directly through Weverse, expressing deep remorse. “It is with feelings of shame that I apologise once again to you all. I apologise very deeply for having disappointed and hurt my fans and everyone who loves me through my wrongdoings,” he wrote as translated by Soompi.
This follows an initial apology statement Suga made on Aug. 7, shortly after the incident.
In that earlier message, he detailed the events, admitting, “After drinking at a dinner yesterday night, I rode an electric scooter home. I violated the Road Traffic Act due to my complacent thinking that it was a short distance and my failure to recognise that using an electric scooter while intoxicated was prohibited.”
He continued, “I fell while parking the scooter in front of my house, and the nearby police officer conducted a breathalyser test, resulting in the cancellation of my licence and a fine.”
In his latest apology, the K-pop star acknowledged the pain caused to those close to him, including his BTS bandmates. “I forgot my responsibility to repay the love I’ve received up until now by behaving in a manner fitting of that love, and I made a grave mistake,” he added.
“Due to my carelessness, everyone who cares about me is going through a difficult time. I will live my life reflecting and making efforts not to commit such wrongdoings again.”
He also expressed deep regret for “tarnishing” BTS’s name, saying, “I have left a large blemish on the precious memories I made together with my members and our fans, and I have tarnished BTS’ name.” He added that he feels “painfully sorry” for causing distress to his bandmates.
Suga made it clear that he is prepared to face the consequences of his actions. “I will accept not only the disciplinary measures that will be decided [by the authorities] in the future but also any criticism or rebuke,” he stated.
“Finally, I once again bow my head and sincerely apologise for causing a controversy and disappointing many people.”
The incident took place on Aug. 7, when the rapper was stopped by police after riding an electric scooter approximately 500 metres while under the influence of alcohol. A nearby officer conducted a breathalyser test, resulting in the cancellation of Suga’s driving licence and a fine.
According to Big Hit Entertainment, Suga was wearing a helmet at the time, and no injuries or property damage were reported.
In a statement following the incident, Big Hit Entertainment said, “We apologise for the disappointment caused by our artist’s inappropriate behaviour,” the company said. “As a public service worker, he will receive appropriate disciplinary action from his workplace for causing public disturbance.”
Investigations are reportedly currently still ongoing.
