BTS’s Suga has posted a new update for the first time in two years. On the 22nd, Suga uploaded several photos to his account without any captions.
In the released photos, Suga is seen dressed in all black, playing the guitar. This post marks his first update in two years since his last post on August 25, 2023, leading to an explosive reaction from fans.
Moreover, Suga was embroiled in major controversy last year when he was summarily indicted for driving an electric scooter under the influence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. At the time, his blood alcohol content was measured at 0.227%, about three times the legal limit for license revocation. He received a summary order of a ₩15 million fine.
Facing heavy public criticism, Suga released a handwritten apology at the time, stating, “My carelessness has caused pain to all those who support me. I will strive to never make such mistakes again, and live with regret and reflection.”
After completing his alternative service as a social service worker on June 21, Suga once again apologized for the scooter DUI incident. He said, “I’m sorry for the disappointment and concern caused by what happened last year. Above all, it broke my heart that I hurt fans’ feelings. I also feel sorry to the members, whose hearts must have been heavy in their own places because of me.”
Then in June, news broke that Suga would donate ₩5 billion to establish a specialized treatment center at Severance Hospital to support treatment and social independence for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Korean Netizens React:
Korean netizens had mixed opinions on Suga’s updates. Some felt the idol handled the situation responsibly and apologized, but others criticized his comeback. Here are some comments:
- “₩5 billion donation is honestly amazing. BTS, please come back.”
- “It really is great! Let’s acknowledge what deserves recognition. Just be careful from now on and stay active.”
- “Admitting mistakes and choosing a path that benefits society. This is real reflection.”
- “Kickboard DUI, haha… just let it go already.”
- “So in the end, money solves everything.”
- “Other celebrities get canceled for years after a DUI, but for him people are already calling for a comeback in less than a year.”
- “I’m not even a fan, but it was just a scooter. Compared to drunk drivers who kill people with cars, this is being blown up too much.”
- “Even if it wasn’t BTS, anyone who drove drunk on a scooter and donated ₩5 billion deserves some recognition.”
- “It’s true he made a mistake, but donating ₩5 billion is huge. Since it was on a scooter, it feels awkward to keep attacking him.”
- “So drunk driving plus ₩5 billion equals forgiveness, even admiration? That’s some double standard.”
- “Unlike corrupt politicians, he’s different respect.”
- “I’m not officially an ARMY, but as a mother raising a child with autism, I sincerely thank Suga for his donation.”
- “Electric scooter DUI + ₩5 billion… yeah, at least that much is needed to make up for it.”
- “At first I didn’t care about BTS, but I came to know Suga through this controversy. Still, BTS made us proud globally, so I hope one member’s mistake doesn’t overshadow everything.”
- “I like that he shows genuine remorse. Suga, fighting!”
As BTS prepares for a full-group comeback, Suga has returned to social media for the first time in years. Having repeatedly expressed remorse, and going beyond his ₩5 billion donation by establishing a center in his own name and promising ongoing support, attention is now focused on whether Suga can regain the trust of the public and fans.
