A recent petition targeting BTS member SUGA has surfaced on KBS’s official viewer message board, urging the public broadcaster to restrict his on-air appearances following a past drunk driving violation.
Filed on June 23, the petition, titled “Request to Restrict SUGA’s Appearance in Relation to His DUI Fine,” calls for KBS to convene its Broadcast Appearance Regulation Review Committee. The petitioner argues that SUGA’s offense — committed during his alternative military service — is incompatible with his high-profile public image and influence, especially among younger audiences.
The incident in question occurred on August 6, 2024, when SUGA was reportedly caught operating an electric scooter under the influence. His blood alcohol concentration exceeded 0.08%, the threshold for license revocation under South Korean law. The case concluded in September 2024 with a 15 million KRW fine (approx. $11,000 USD) issued via a summary court order.
Highlighting the gravity of DUI offenses, the petitioner expressed concern over the impact of SUGA’s public presence: “Drunk driving is a crime that puts lives at risk. Allowing a celebrity with such an offense to appear on national television could diminish the seriousness of these actions in the eyes of the public.”
The petition also criticized KBS for not addressing the issue sooner, though it acknowledged that the broadcaster may have awaited the legal outcome. Now that SUGA has completed his mandatory alternative military service as of June 21, 2025, the petitioner insists that swift disciplinary action is warranted: “KBS must take fair and timely measures to uphold public trust and its responsibility as a public institution.”
KBS maintains an internal system to review the broadcast eligibility of public figures who have faced legal or ethical issues. Past cases include actor Kwak Do Won and singer Kim Ho Joong, who were both temporarily suspended from KBS programming due to DUI-related controversies.
As of now, SUGA has officially returned to civilian life, joining the rest of BTS who have all completed their military duties. While fans await the group’s much-anticipated comeback, the growing debate over accountability and media representation continues to place public figures under intense scrutiny.
