Recently, BTS member SUGA made headlines following his involvement in a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) incident. This incident has drawn attention to a concerning trend among idols and public figures, who have been caught driving under the influence.
SUGA's case came to light on August 9, 2024, when the Yongsan Police Station revealed that his blood alcohol level was 0.227%, which is over seven times higher than South Korea's legal limit of 0.03%. According to the law, a blood alcohol level exceeding 0.2% can result in severe penalties, including a fine of 10 to 20 million KRW (approximately 7,329 to 14,640 USD) or a prison sentence ranging from 2 to 5 years. Although the police have not yet determined whether his driver's license will be revoked, the incident has sparked widespread criticism.
This incident adds SUGA to a growing list of idols who have faced legal consequences for DUI offenses. According to a list compiled by theqoo, several idols have been involved in similar incidents over the years, with varying levels of blood alcohol concentration, license suspension or cancellation, and corresponding legal penalties.
Before Amendment: License revocation level at 0.1%
After Amendment: License revocation level at 0.08%
- Kangta (H.O.T) - 2000
BAC: 0.102% - License Revoked + No reports of penalties - Eun Ji Won (Sechs Kies) - 2001, 2004 (Post-Disbandment)
2001: No reported BAC
2004: BAC: 0.072% - 100-day license suspension - Jun Jin (Shinhwa) - 2005
BAC: 0.065% - 100-day license suspension - Kim Jae Joong (TVXQ) - 2006
BAC: 0.071% - 100-day license suspension - Shin Hye-sung (Shinhwa) - 2007, 2022
2007: BAC: 0.097% - 100-day license suspension (before Yoon Chang-ho Act*)
2022: Refused breathalyzer test - 6 months imprisonment, 1-year probation - Kangin (Super Junior) - 2009, 2016
2009: BAC: 0.082% (measured 6 hours later) - 100-day license suspension (before Yoon Chang-ho Act*) + 5 million KRW (3,660 USD) fine (hit-and-run)
2016: BAC: 0.05% - 100-day license suspension + 7 million KRW (5,128 USD) fine (hit-and-run) - Lee Jae Jin (Sechs Kies) - 2011 (Post-Disbandment)
BAC: 0.087% - 100-day license suspension (before Yoon Chang-ho Act*) - Nichkhun (2PM) - 2012
BAC: 0.056% - 100-day license suspension + 4 million KRW (2,930 USD) fine (injury involved) - Kim Hyun Joong (SS501) - 2017 (Post-Hiatus)
BAC: 0.075% - 100-day license suspension - Jun.K (2PM) - 2018
BAC: 0.074% - 100-day license suspension - Moon Jun Young (ZE:A) - 2018, 2022 (Post-Contract Expiry)
2018: BAC unknown - License suspension
2022: BAC: 0.113% - License revoked + 8 million KRW (5,860 USD) fine - Lim Young Min (AB6IX) - 2020
BAC unknown (above 0.08%) - License revoked - Lizzy (After School) - 2021 (Post-Departure)
BAC unknown (above 0.08%) - License revoked + 15 million KRW (11,000 USD) fine - Heo Chan (VICTON) - 2022
BAC unknown (above 0.08%) - License revoked - Theo (DKB) - 2023
BAC unknown (above 0.08%) - License revoked - Nam Tae Hyun (WINNER) - 2023 (Post-Departure)
BAC: 0.114% - License revoked + 6 million KRW (4,400 USD) fine - SUGA (BTS) - 2024
BAC: 0.227% - License revoked + Penalty pending
Korea netizens commented:
"Wow, just leaving the group seems right."
"Wow, Suga had the highest Blood Alcohol Concentration level out of everyone."
"How much did he drink?"
"What did Lizzy do to get the highest fine?"
"Moon Junyoung got caught for drunk driving twice."
"Kim Jaejoong really got away with it, so frustrating."
"There are so many idols involved in this..."
"This is shocking, such an unprecedented level."
"Wow, his level is off the charts."
"0.2 is really high."
"When you study for your license, you learn that over 0.2 leads to other severe penalties. This is insane."
"He’s first in everything, huh?"
"SUGA is insane, 0.227??? If this is true, he's at the top in terms of blood alcohol level among celebrities caught for drunk driving. Top-tier in everything, even this..."
"There’s even someone who did it twice."
"There aren’t many who’ve gone over 0.1, but 0.227 is something else."
"Number one in blood alcohol level. Incredible."
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