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Suga of BTS. (still from @BANGTANTV on YouTube)

Suga of K-pop supergroup BTS was apprehended by police for driving an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol. 

Seoul’s Yongsan Police Station announced Wednesday that its officers had booked Suga, 31, for traffic violations (operating a motorized vehicle under the influence). 

The rapper, whose real name is Min Yoon-gi, was discovered lying drunk on a street in Seoul’s Hannam neighborhood after falling off his electric scooter on the night of Aug. 6. The officer who discovered Suga originally approached him to help him, but brought him back to the station upon smelling alcohol on his breath. The police have stated that Suga’s blood-alcohol levels at the time of his arrest were sufficient for revoking his license. 

Bit Hit Music, Suga’s management company, issued a statement on Wednesday. “On the night of Aug. 6, Suga operated an electric scooter while under the influence of alcohol, although he wore a helmet.”

“We apologize for the improper behavior of one of our artists, and for the disappointment Suga’s behavior has caused among fans. As a public figure who is undergoing public service [that counts as military service], Suga is expected to undergo professional discipline under his superiors,” the statement added. 

BTS member Suga. (AP/Yonhap)

Suga issued an apology on the K-pop fan community platform Weverse.

“After drinking too much at dinner last night, I took an electric scooter to try to get home. I told myself it was OK, because I wasn’t far from home, dismissing the fact that operating an electric kickboard under the influence is illegal,” he said.

“I fell over in front of my house while trying to disembark from the scooter. My license was revoked, and I was given a fine,” he continued. 

“I have no excuse. It was completely my own fault. I sincerely apologize to you all.” 

The police have clarified that Suga was operating an electric scooter, not an electric “kickboard” as mentioned in his statement, as the vehicle had a seat. 

Suga enlisted in the military in September of last year, and is fulfilling the terms of his military service as a “public service personnel.” He is expected to be discharged from his service in June of next year.

By Kim Chae-woon, staff reporter

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