BTS member Suga appears before police for e-scooter drunk driving

HYBE

23/08/2024 12:38

SEOUL, Aug 23 (Reuters) - K-pop star Suga, a member of
the boy band supergroup BTS, appeared before police on Friday
for further questioning over a case of drunk driving on an
electric scooter. 
    Earlier this month, the songwriter and rapper made an
apology after police fined him and revoked his licence for
riding the e-scooter while drunk. 
    "I am deeply sorry. I truly regret I have disappointed many
fans and many people," Suga told reporters after arriving at the
police station. 
    "I will sincerely participate in the investigation, and
again I am sorry," said Suga, wearing a black suit, with a deep
bow.
    Police are expected to look into how much he consumed and
why he drove while intoxicated, media reports said. On the day
of the incident, police had sent him home as he was so drunk
that he did not respond to their questions properly, local media
said.
    His label Big Hit Music, which is part of K-pop firm HYBE
 352820.KS , has said Suga rode the scooter and tripped when
parking at night. He failed a breath test conducted by police,
according to the label.
    Some angry fans placed flower wreaths near HYBE
headquarters, with messages on boards or flowers asking him to
leave the band.
    There was no immediate comment from HYBE.
    Since announcing a break from group projects in June 2022,
BTS members have pursued solo activities before starting
military service.
    The 31-year-old Suga has been engaged in social service work
in order to meet his military duty commitment.

 (Reporting by Dogyun Kim, Ju-min Park; Editing by Angus
MacSwan)
 ((ju-min.park@thomsonreuters.com; Reuters Messaging:
ju-min.park.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))