On the 26th, tvN STORY’s variety program “The Chairman’s People” released a preview video through its YouTube channel. In the broadcast, Hanbok master Park Sul-nyeo introduced the Hanbok that BTS wore during their rookie days, as well as the Hanbok worn by the singers from TV Chosun’s “Mister Trot.”
In the group photo of Park Sul-nyeo with BTS, which was revealed in the preview video, only Suga was blurred out among the seven members. Additionally, in the footage featuring the “Mister Trot” cast, Kim Ho-joong’s face was also blurred out.
Many believe this is a sign of a “blacklisting” of the rapper who violated the law by driving under the influence. tvN’s strong move has left BTS fans worried. In 2025, BTS is expected to make a full-group comeback. If Suga doesn’t leave the group, the current incident could potentially affect BTS’s promotional activities on national TV stations.
HYBE has yet to respond to the growing calls for Suga to leave the group. In South Korea, artists who drive under the influence often face public hatred, with some even seeing their careers crumble.
However, Suga is still being strongly defended by the fan community. On the day Suga appeared before the police, BTS’s fandom carried out a support campaign for the idol, hanging banners in front of HYBE’s headquarters. Once considered “the pride of Korea” for expanding K-pop internationally, Suga’s situation has left people in a difficult position.
Meanwhile, on the night of the 6th, Suga was charged with driving an electric scooter while intoxicated near his home in Hannam-dong, Seoul. A breathalyzer test revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.227%, indicating a state of heavy intoxication.
Seventeen days after the incident, Suga was investigated by the police. As he appeared before the media at Yongsan Police Station, Suga publicly apologized, saying, “I sincerely apologize for causing so much hurt and disappointment due to my wrong actions. I am deeply reflecting and regretting it.”
Suga later posted a second handwritten apology on the fan community platform Weverse. He said, “I apologize for the confusion caused by the hastily written first apology. This incident has deeply marred the precious memories I made with the members and fans, and I have tarnished BTS’s name. I am feeling indescribable remorse and pain. I will fully accept any punishment, criticism, and rebuke that may come.”
Suga is currently serving as a public service worker. His scheduled discharge date is June 2025.
