‘Drunk driving challenge’ trends following BTS Suga’s DUI case

By: Gelene Peñalosa - 4 months ago

For the past few days, the K-pop community on social media has been abuzz with the news of BTS Suga’s DUI controversy. Almost every fandom has weighed in on their opinions on the matter and was rightfully critical of the K-pop idol’s reckless behavior, as well as how the BTS fandom has been reacting to the news.

ARMYs are infamously known in the K-pop fandom/community as fans that will go above and beyond for their favorite group—meaning they would absolutely do anything for them. By anything, we mean everything for the globally famous K-pop supergroup.

ICYDK, on the night of August 6th, South Korean police found BTS rapper Suga after falling off from his electric scooter and brought him to the police station to be subjected to a breathalyzer test. The test result exceeded South Korea’s legal limit of 0.8%, leading to his license being revoked and a hefty penalty.

Suga and his agency, BIGHIT MUSIC issues apologies after the news was made public. However, both apologies drew in criticisms for sounding “self-serving” and for “spreading misinformation” about the case. Initially, BIGHIT MUSIC said that the rapper was using an electric kickboard, but police confirmed (with CCTV evidence) that he was riding an electric scooter.

In South Korea, driving an electric scooter requires a special license, thus treating the case akin to vehicles. Also, driving under the influence is severely looked down on in the country, with many celebrities eventually leaving or going low-key in the entertainment industry after they were caught.

It was later found out that the alcohol concentration found in Suga’s blood was about 0.227%– the highest in the list of K-pop idols found with a DUI.

Following the blowing up of BTS Suga’s controversial (and lengthy) DUI case, some ‘fans’ started a “drunk driving challenge,” where they would drink alcohol and drive, much like Suga.

However, ARMYs claim the challenge was attributed to and initiated by “antis” posing as BTS fans. Many fans condemned the news outlet, Chosun, and even started a petition against the challenge.

However, ARMYs claim the challenge was attributed to and initiated by “antis” posing as BTS fans. Many fans condemned the news outlet, Chosun, and even started a petition against the challenge.

Whether who initiated it, by doing this so-called #SugaChallenge, you would be placing innocent lives at risk.

This issue is surely going down as one of the biggest DUI issues in K-pop history. This incident boils down to a simple lesson: responsibility pays off. One issue/mistake can lead to another. May this serve as a lesson and not be used to cause further harm to others.

 

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