Suga from BTS will not face separate disciplinary action from South Korea’s Military Manpower Administration or his service agency after an incident where he was caught riding an electric scooter while intoxicated.
The Military Manpower Administration issued a statement today: “The social service agent had operated the scooter in a personal capacity after work hours while intoxicated. He will be subject to penalties under the Road Traffic Act and other applicable laws.”
Police were called to the Hannam-dong area in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, around 11:15 PM on Tuesday following a report of a vehicle suspected of being driven under the influence. Upon arriving, they found Suga, who had fallen off a moving vehicle.
At that time, Suga’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was at a level that would typically result in a revoked license (0.08% or higher). Currently, he is under investigation by the police for violating the Road Traffic Act due to driving under the influence.
However, since the incident did not occur during working hours and is not related to his duties as a social service agent, it has been reported that there will be no disciplinary action from the Military Manpower Administration.
Suga’s agency, Big Hit Music, announced he would face appropriate disciplinary action internally. However, a representative from the Military Manpower Administration confirmed that no additional personnel action would be pursued at the agency level.
Nevertheless, the representative explained that the Military Manpower Administration and the service agency will intensify training to ensure compliance with regulations among social service agents. They will also enhance Suga’s oversight and management through service guidance officers.
In its report to the National Assembly’s Defense Committee, the Military Manpower Administration emphasized that it focuses on managing vulnerabilities such as inadequate supervision of social service agent duties and rights infringement.
Regarding Suga, he was classified as a social service agent instead of an active-duty soldier in the military examination conducted by the Military Manpower Administration at the end of 2022. Suga is scheduled to be discharged from service in June 2025.