On August 7, BIGHIT MUSIC, the management company for BTS, released a new statement regarding SUGA’s ongoing DUI controversy, aiming to address and clarify the recent issues surrounding the incident. The label acknowledged their earlier missteps and provided a more detailed explanation.
BIGHIT MUSIC began by offering a sincere apology, expressing regret for the confusion and distress caused by their previous statements. They admitted that their initial description of the vehicle involved as an “electric kickboard” was incorrect and contributed to misunderstanding. The label explained that this mischaracterization could impact the understanding of the incident’s seriousness and the potential liability.
The company emphasized that their intention was never to minimize the incident’s seriousness, but they admitted to not thoroughly checking the facts before making a public statement. They pledged to ensure that future communications will align with the results of the ongoing investigation once the vehicle’s classification is officially confirmed.
The statement also addressed issues related to fines and the potential suspension of SUGA’s driver’s license. BIGHIT MUSIC acknowledged a misunderstanding regarding the procedures after SUGA’s police sobriety test, leading to inaccurate information about the resolution of the matter. They admitted to an internal communication error and apologized for any confusion this may have caused.
Both SUGA and BIGHIT MUSIC extended their apologies to fans and the public, recognizing the impact of the incident during SUGA’s military service. They affirmed their commitment to fully cooperating with the police investigation and accepting the outcomes with humility.
Earlier in the day, reports from South Korean media revealed that SUGA was found riding a foldable electric scooter under the influence of alcohol around 11:30 PM KST in Hannam Dong. After losing his balance and falling, he was assisted by a patrolling officer who detected the alcohol. A breathalyzer test showed SUGA’s blood alcohol level was above the legal limit. Following the news, both SUGA and BIGHIT MUSIC issued apologies for the incident.
