The ongoing controversy surrounding BTS member SUGA’s alleged DUI incident has taken another dramatic turn. JTBC Newsroom, a prominent Korean media channel, is now facing a formal investigation after mistakenly airing incorrect CCTV footage that sparked significant confusion and public outrage.
On August 7, 2024, JTBC Newsroom released what they claimed to be exclusive CCTV footage of SUGA recklessly riding an electric scooter at high speed on the main road the night before. The footage quickly went viral, causing widespread controversy as viewers believed it depicted the rapper dangerously navigating the streets.
However, it was later revealed by the police that the man in the CCTV clip was not SUGA. The correct footage, subsequently released by Donga Ilbo and TV Chosun, portrayed a starkly different scenario: SUGA was seen riding at a low speed, wearing a helmet, and staying within his lane on the sidewalk. The footage also showed him falling in front of his house after making a sharp turn, which aligned with his earlier statement about experiencing knee pain.
TV CHOSUN
【映像単独】
BTSシュガーの飲酒運転動線確認···作業室から移動中に居住地の正門前で倒れるTV朝鮮が飲酒状態で電動スクーターを運転した疑いで警察に立件されたBTSメンバーシュガーの動線が盛り込まれた閉鎖回路(CC)TV映像を単独で確保した。… pic.twitter.com/orBMgTRWob
— kx2mamaV ーType1 KTH (@v_kx2mama) August 14, 2024
Following the revelation of their mistake, JTBC Newsroom issued a public apology, acknowledging the error in their report. In their statement, they said, “Our newsroom reported about BTS member Suga’s DUI on August 7. In the first portion of our report, we showed CCTV footage of an electric scooter passing by the main road. It was later confirmed through police investigations that the male in the video was not SUGA. We are sorry for causing confusion.”
The incorrect broadcast has led to JTBC Newsroom being investigated by the Korea Communications Standards Commission. According to an August 18, 2024, report by Yonhap News, the investigation was prompted by the severe public outcry and confusion caused by the erroneous footage.
Fans took to social media to celebrate after defending SUGA for days and proving his innocence. Simultaneously, they are calling out Koreaboo, a popular site for Korean pop culture content, for spreading malicious content related to the DUI case.
Meanwhile, the incident has fueled anti-fan activities, with protest trucks and wreaths being sent to HYBE, demanding SUGA’s removal from BTS. Despite the agency’s assurance that the group will remain intact, civilian complaints have also been filed against the rapper with his military employer.
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