BTS’s fanbase, known as the Army, finds itself deeply divided after news broke that Suga was involved in a drunk driving incident. While some fans are voicing their disappointment and even calling for Suga’s removal from the band, others argue that the criticism is overblown and that Suga should be given the privacy to handle the situation.
The incident occurred on August 6 when Suga was caught driving an e-scooter under the influence, with a blood alcohol level of 0.227%—one of the highest recorded among K-pop artists. The news has left many fans feeling let down.
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“What he did was wrong, and there’s no defending it. But I think the criticism is too harsh. Suga isn’t just any K-pop idol; he’s a global star with massive influence, and he understands that. It was a reckless decision,” shared a BTS fan, identified as Han.
The frustration among some fans has escalated to the point where they’ve sent protest wreaths to Hybe’s headquarters in Seoul, demanding that Suga step down from the band. These wreaths carried strong messages like “Min Yoon-gi, leave,” and “You let go of our hands first.”
However, the protest seems to be an act of individual fans rather than a coordinated effort by the fandom. Reports indicate that the protest was sparked by dissatisfaction with how BTS’s agency, Hybe, handled the situation, with no corrective actions taken.
Meanwhile, international fans are concerned about Suga’s well-being, urging that he be given space to recover from this stressful situation. “I’m worried about Suga’s mental and emotional health,” said Cassie Stewart, a fan from Connecticut, reflecting on his past struggles.
Music critic Lim Hee-yun weighed in, explaining that the intense backlash is rooted in the high ethical standards expected of K-pop idols. In South Korea, drunk driving, especially involving public figures, triggers strong public outrage, as seen in past incidents. “BTS is held to an even higher standard, which is why the reaction is so fierce,” Lim concluded.
